Jets vs Kings Picks and Prediction – 4/2/2025

The Winnipeg Jets roll into LA for a big showdown against the Kings at Crypto.com Arena. The Jets come in hot after a 3-1 win over Vancouver, improving to 51-19-4. The Kings just lit up the Sharks 8-1 and are 41-23-9 overall. This will be their third meeting of the year, with Los Angeles winning both earlier matchups. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Winnipeg has rattled off four wins in its last five, including a dominant 4-0 shutout against the Devils. Connor Hellebuyck continues to be lights out between the pipes and the Jets are looking every bit like a contender in the Central Division. Kyle Connor is carrying the offense with 38 goals and 90 points, while Josh Morrissey leads the blue line. Injuries to Rasmus Kupari, Gabriel Vilardi, and Neal Pionk are worth monitoring but haven’t slowed things down.

Defensively, Winnipeg is one of the NHL’s stingiest teams, allowing just 2.32 goals per game and holding opponents to 27.2 shots a night. The penalty kill is running at 79.7%, and Hellebuyck’s .925 save percentage and 2.01 GAA are elite. The Jets' power play is a real weapon too, clicking at 29.5% with 59 goals on the man advantage. With balanced scoring and strong goaltending, this group’s ceiling remains high.

Los Angeles just embarrassed San Jose in an 8-1 rout, with Adrian Kempe netting two goals and hitting the 31-goal mark. The Kings have won three of the last five and remain a top team at home with a 27-4-4 record inside Crypto.com Arena. Anze Kopitar continues to be the engine offensively, leading the team with 42 assists, while Kempe leads in points with 60.

Defensively, the Kings give up just 2.51 goals per game and allow the fewest shots in the league at 25.4 per contest. The penalty kill is clicking at 81.5%, and Darcy Kuemper has a 2.10 GAA with a .919 save percentage. The power play isn’t as sharp, converting at only 16.7%. LA is dealing with injuries to Tanner Jeannot, Alex Turcotte, and Alex Laferriere, which could impact depth in a big way.

The Jets are more complete right now. Winnipeg has the edge in scoring (3.45 goals per game) and special teams, especially on the power play, where it nearly doubles LA’s efficiency. With Connor Hellebuyck playing like a Vezina candidate and Kyle Connor driving the offense, Winnipeg should be able to exploit LA’s injury-hit depth. Final Score Prediction: Winnipeg Jets win 4-2.