Los Angeles Kings vs New York Islanders Prediction - October 22, 2026

Matchup Overview

New York has opened the season with a strong 5-3-1 type start built on balanced scoring and reliable defensive play. The Islanders are producing three goals per game, getting quality results at five-on-five, and limiting opposing chances with strong shot suppression. Their penalty kill has also been a major support point, which matters against a Kings team that can still create pressure if special teams get loose. Los Angeles has some offensive punch, but the early numbers point to inconsistency. The Kings are averaging 2.43 goals per game and allowing 3.86, which creates a lot of pressure on their attack to carry the load. Even with a respectable power play, the overall goal prevention has been too soft to expect dependable road results. That makes this a better setup for a tight Islanders win than for a high-scoring game or a Kings breakthrough.

Market Trends

• ●Los Angeles Kings: puckline record is 4-3 in the current season, and their over/under record is 3-4.
• ●New York Islanders: puckline record is 5-4 in the current season, and their over/under record is 3-6.

Prediction Summary

The Islanders are the cleaner side in this matchup and should be able to edge a close game at home, with Sorokin giving them the best player in the crease and the stronger run prevention profile overall. Los Angeles can still threaten, but the Kings’ defensive numbers and goal differential make them a tough team to trust in a tight road spot. The projected final score is New York Islanders 3, Los Angeles Kings 2, which supports a New York moneyline position and a lower total.

Goaltending Matchup

Ilya Sorokin has been confirmed as the Islanders’ starter in the season statistics available here, and his numbers are excellent: a .934 save percentage, 1.72 goals-against average, and one shutout across seven starts. No starting goalie has been confirmed for Los Angeles at the time of writing. If the Kings start a netminder closer to league average, Sorokin’s edge becomes even more important in a game projected to be decided by one goal.