The New Jersey Devils head to Los Angeles on November 1, 2025, looking to snap a two-game losing streak against a Kings team that has been grinding out results despite inconsistent play. The Devils enter Crypto.com Arena with an 8-3-0 record, while the Kings sit at 5-3-4, riding a point streak that has kept them competitive in the Pacific Division. Both teams face significant injury challenges that will shape their lineup decisions for this Western Conference clash.
This Saturday night matchup, scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, presents the Devils with an opportunity to right the ship after consecutive setbacks on their four-game road trip. The Kings, meanwhile, are coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to Detroit where they surrendered a two-goal lead late in the third period. With key players missing on both sides, depth will be tested in what promises to be a tightly contested battle.
New Jersey Devils vs Los Angeles Kings projected lineup 11/1/2025: forwards breakdown
The Devils’ forward lines for this matchup showcase a blend of established stars and emerging talent. The top line remains intact with Stefan Noesen flanking Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, a trio that has developed strong chemistry throughout the early season. Hughes, the dynamic center who leads New Jersey’s offensive attack, will be tasked with creating opportunities against a Kings defense that has shown vulnerability at times.
The second line features captain Nico Hischier centering Ondrej Palat and Arseny Gritsyuk. This combination provides a solid two-way presence, with Hischier’s defensive reliability complementing his offensive capabilities. Gritsyuk represents one of the younger elements in the lineup, gaining valuable experience alongside veteran leadership. This line will likely draw tough matchups against Los Angeles’ top players.
New Jersey’s third line comprises Timo Meier, Juho Lammikko, and Dawson Mercer. Meier brings physicality and scoring punch, while Lammikko provides responsible center play. Mercer has emerged as a dependable complementary scorer who can contribute in multiple situations. The Devils will need secondary scoring from this group to support their star-studded top lines.
The fourth line rounds out with Paul Cotter, Luke Glendening, and Brian Halonen. Glendening anchors this checking line with his faceoff prowess and defensive awareness. This unit’s primary responsibility will be limiting the Kings’ offensive chances while providing energy shifts that can spark the team. The absence of Connor Brown, listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, has necessitated lineup adjustments throughout the bottom six.
For Los Angeles, the forward configuration features their proven top line of Andrei Kuzmenko, Anze Kopitar, and Adrian Kempe. Kopitar remains the heartbeat of the Kings’ offense, with Kempe leading the team with 14 points including five goals and nine assists. This line has consistently produced and will be the primary threat the Devils must contain.
The Kings’ second unit pairs Kevin Fiala, Quinton Byfield, and Corey Perry. Byfield has registered eight points this season and represents the future of the franchise, while Fiala provides dynamic playmaking ability. Perry, the veteran winger, adds grit and net-front presence. Joel Armia, Phillip Danault, and Alex Laferriere comprise the third line, with Danault’s defensive excellence making this a shutdown-oriented trio.
Los Angeles’s fourth line appears incomplete in the projected lineup with Jeff Malott and Alex Turcotte listed. The availability of Trevor Moore remains uncertain after he missed Thursday’s game for personal reasons, creating lineup uncertainty. The Kings are also without Warren Foegele, who is sidelined with an upper body injury. These absences force coach Jim Hiller to make tough decisions about deployment.
New Jersey Devils vs Los Angeles Kings projected lineup 11/1/2025: defensive pairings analysis
The Devils’ blue line features Jonas Siegenthaler alongside Dougie Hamilton on the top pairing. Hamilton brings elite offensive instincts from the point, quarterbacking power plays and contributing to transition play. Siegenthaler provides defensive reliability and strong gap control, making this partnership effective at both ends of the ice. This duo will face the Kings’ top offensive weapons throughout the evening.
New Jersey’s second defensive pairing showcases Brenden Dillon with Luke Hughes, the younger brother of star center Jack Hughes. Luke Hughes has impressed with his skating ability and puck-moving skills, though he’s still developing defensive consistency. Dillon, a physical presence acquired to add toughness, complements Hughes’ mobility. This pairing will be crucial against Los Angeles’ depth scoring threats.
Dennis Cholowski and Simon Nemec form the Devils’ third pairing, representing the team’s depth on defense. Nemec, a young defenseman with considerable upside, continues developing at the NHL level. The injury situation has severely impacted New Jersey’s defensive depth, with Brett Pesce, Johnathan Kovacevic, and others sidelined. Seamus Casey serves as the healthy scratch, providing depth insurance.
The absence of Pesce (upper body) particularly hurts, as he’s a top-four defenseman who plays in all situations. The Devils entered the season with high expectations for their defensive corps, but injuries have forced younger players into expanded roles earlier than anticipated. How these adjustments impact team defense against a skilled Kings attack will be telling.
Los Angeles counters with Brian Dumoulin and Drew Doughty on their top pairing. Doughty, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and former Norris Trophy winner, remains the cornerstone of the Kings’ defensive group despite his advancing age. His hockey IQ and positioning remain elite, though his foot speed has diminished. Dumoulin provides steady, mistake-free hockey that allows Doughty to activate offensively when opportunities arise.
The Kings’ second pairing features Joel Edmundson with Brandt Clarke, an intriguing combination of veteran stability and youthful potential. Clarke represents one of Los Angeles’ best defense prospects, displaying offensive creativity and smooth skating. Edmundson adds physicality and playoff experience. This partnership balances risk and reward, with Clarke’s offensive instincts complemented by Edmundson’s defensive responsibility.
Mikey Anderson and Cody Ceci complete the Kings’ defensive rotation on the third pairing. Anderson has emerged as a reliable presence who can play up the lineup when needed. The loss of Kyle Burroughs to an upper body injury affects depth, but Los Angeles has managed these absences reasonably well. Jacob Moverare provides additional depth insurance as an extra defenseman.
New Jersey Devils vs Los Angeles Kings projected lineup 11/1/2025: goaltending matchup
Jacob Markstrom gets the projected start for New Jersey, continuing his role as the Devils’ number-one netminder. The veteran goaltender recently signed a two-year, $12 million contract extension, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to him as their franchise goalie. Markstrom brings size, experience, and proven performance from his time with Calgary and Vancouver. His ability to control rebounds and play the puck effectively fits well with New Jersey’s system.
The Devils need Markstrom to deliver a strong performance after the team’s recent struggles. His positioning and technical soundness will be tested by a Kings offense that generates quality chances from dangerous areas. Markstrom’s track record suggests he can steal games when receiving adequate defensive support, making him a crucial factor in determining the outcome.
Jake Allen serves as Markstrom’s backup, providing reliable insurance should the starter falter or require rest on back-to-back situations. Allen’s veteran presence and professional approach make him an ideal complement to Markstrom. The goaltending position represents a strength for the Devils heading into this West Coast clash, though consistent goal support remains necessary.
For Los Angeles, Darcy Kuemper is projected to start between the pipes. Kuemper, a Stanley Cup champion with Colorado in 2022, brings championship pedigree and playoff experience. He’s had an up-and-down start to the season but possesses the ability to dominate when his game is sharp. The Kings need their goaltender to be at his best against a Devils offense led by Hughes and Bratt.
Anton Forsberg backs up Kuemper, though he’s been dealing with his own consistency issues. The Kings’ goaltending tandem hasn’t yet established the dominance the team hoped for when assembling this roster. Kuemper’s ability to make timely saves in critical moments could determine whether Los Angeles extends their point streak or suffers a regulation loss.
This goaltending matchup favors New Jersey on paper, with Markstrom’s recent extension signaling organizational confidence. However, both netminders have proven capable of exceptional performances, meaning the game could be decided by whichever goalie finds their best form. Special teams and defensive structure will significantly impact how many high-danger chances each goalie faces.
Injury reports impact the New Jersey Devils vs Los Angeles Kings projected lineup 11/1/2025
The Devils enter this contest significantly depleted on the injury front, with seven players listed on the injured reserve. Connor Brown’s day-to-day status with an undisclosed injury creates uncertainty, though he’s not expected to play. Brett Pesce’s upper body injury removes a crucial top-four defenseman who plays in all situations, affecting both even-strength play and penalty killing units.
Cody Glass (upper body), Johnathan Kovacevic (lower body), Marc McLoughlin (upper body), Evgenii Dadonov (fractured hand), and Zack MacEwen (upper body) round out New Jersey’s injury list. These absences force the Devils to rely on depth players and organizational call-ups. Brian Halonen’s inclusion in the lineup represents the type of roster shuffling necessitated by these injuries. The team’s ability to maintain their strong start despite these setbacks speaks to their organizational depth.
According to NHL.com’s game preview, the coaching staff has maintained confidence in the players stepping into expanded roles. However, the cumulative effect of these injuries has begun showing, as evidenced by the recent two-game slide. Getting healthier bodies back into the lineup will be crucial for maintaining playoff positioning.
Los Angeles faces fewer but still significant injury concerns. Kyle Burroughs (upper body) and Warren Foegele (upper body) are both sidelined, affecting the Kings’ depth at forward and defense. Samuel Helenius serves as a healthy scratch, while Trevor Moore’s availability remains the biggest question mark. Moore’s absence from Thursday’s game for personal reasons has created uncertainty about his status.
The Kings did not hold a morning skate Saturday, making lineup confirmations difficult until closer to game time. Moore’s potential absence would significantly impact Los Angeles’ forward depth, as he’s typically a reliable contributor who plays a responsible two-way game. The coaching staff may need to shuffle lines if Moore remains unavailable, potentially promoting someone like Helenius or adjusting current configurations.
Both teams are navigating injury adversity, but New Jersey’s situation appears more dire with seven players out compared to Los Angeles’ two confirmed injuries plus Moore’s uncertain status. The team that better manages these personnel challenges and receives contributions from depth players will likely gain an advantage. Roster depth often determines outcomes in these situations, testing organizational player development and acquisition strategies.
Key storylines for the New Jersey Devils vs Los Angeles Kings projected lineup 11/1/2025
The Devils’ recent two-game losing streak has introduced questions about their ability to sustain early-season success. After starting 8-1-0, consecutive losses have shown vulnerabilities that opponents can exploit. How New Jersey responds to adversity on the road will reveal much about this team’s character and championship aspirations. The coaching staff must find solutions to defensive breakdowns that have plagued recent performances.
Jack Hughes’ performance will be central to New Jersey’s chances. The star center has been the engine driving the Devils’ offense, but he’ll need support from secondary scorers to overcome a defensively structured Kings team. Hughes’s ability to create off the rush and generate scoring chances through individual skill makes him the most dangerous player on the ice. Los Angeles will likely assign Phillip Danault’s line to shadow Hughes when possible.
For the Kings, extending their point streak represents the primary objective. Despite the recent shootout loss to Detroit, Los Angeles has found ways to collect points even when not playing their best hockey. This resilience has kept them competitive in a tough Pacific Division race. Adrian Kempe’s team-leading 14 points illustrate his importance to the Kings’ success, and his line with Kopitar and Kuzmenko will need to produce.
The special teams battle could prove decisive in a close game. Both teams feature talented power play units capable of swinging momentum with timely goals. New Jersey’s power play, featuring Hamilton’s point shot and Hughes’s playmaking, ranks among the league’s most dangerous. Los Angeles counters with Doughty, Fiala, and other skilled operators who can capitalize on defensive lapses. Penalty killing will be equally important, especially given the injuries affecting both teams’ depth.
According to The Hockey Writers’ preview, the venue might impact performance, as Eastern Conference teams often struggle with late-night West Coast starts. The 9 p.m. ET puck drop means midnight hockey for the Devils, potentially affecting energy levels. Los Angeles will look to exploit any sluggishness early in the game, establishing momentum before New Jersey settles in.
The coaching matchup between Sheldon Keefe for New Jersey and Jim Hiller for Los Angeles adds another dimension. Keefe, in his first season with the Devils after his Toronto tenure, has implemented systems emphasizing puck possession and offensive creativity. Hiller has maintained the Kings’ identity as a defensively responsible team that grinds opponents down. How these philosophies clash will shape the game’s flow and ultimately determine the winner.
As the puck drops at Crypto.com Arena, the New Jersey Devils vs Los Angeles Kings projected lineup 11/1/2025 showcases two teams heading in different directions despite similar quality. The Devils seek to rediscover the form that produced their 8-1-0 start, while the Kings aim to build on their point streak and climb the Pacific Division standings. With both rosters impacted by injuries, depth players will have opportunities to make significant contributions in a game that could influence playoff races months from now.
The matchup features compelling individual battles, strong goaltending, and tactical chess matches between coaching staffs. Whether New Jersey can overcome the late start time and recent struggles, or whether Los Angeles can protect home ice and extend their point streak, will be determined by execution, special teams, and timely saves. For hockey fans, this Saturday night showdown promises the competitive intensity that makes the NHL regular season compelling viewing from October through April.
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.