The Vegas Golden Knights (34-17-6) head to Crypto.com Arena to face the Los Angeles Kings (30-17-7) in a crucial Pacific Division matchup that could have significant playoff implications.
The Golden Knights enter the contest riding a three-game winning streak and leading the Pacific Division, powered by their dynamic offense that averages 3.28 goals per game and the stellar play of Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, who have combined for 33 goals and 85 assists this season.
Los Angeles counters with one of the NHL's stingiest defenses, allowing just 2.54 goals per game, anchored by goaltender Darcy Kuemper's impressive .917 save percentage and 2.22 goals-against average.
While Vegas boasts a more balanced attack, the Kings' success hinges on the performance of veterans Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe, who have accounted for much of the team's offensive production with a combined 38 goals and 54 assists.
Both teams feature elite defensive units, with Vegas allowing only five goals in their last three games and the Kings maintaining their position as one of the league's top defensive teams.
This matchup between two Western Conference powerhouses promises to showcase the contrasting styles of Vegas's high-powered offense against Los Angeles's defensive prowess, setting the stage for what could be a preview of a potential playoff series.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Los Angeles Kings vs Vegas Golden Knights matchup, our predictive model gives the Knights a 54.67% chance of defeating the Kings.
Pre-game probabilities
Vegas Golden Knights
Moneyline
Win %
54.67%
45.33%
Los Angeles Kings
Vegas Golden Knights: 54.67% win probability
- Division Leadership (1st in Pacific with 74 points)
- Strong Offensive Output (188 goals for, tied for 4th in Western Conference)
- Consistent Win Rate (34 wins in 57 games, 59.6% win percentage)
Los Angeles Kings: 45.33% win probability
- Games in Hand Pressure (Only 54 games played, creating potential schedule congestion)
- Lower Point Total (67 points vs Knights' 74 points)
- Scoring Efficiency (156 goals scored, 32 fewer than Vegas despite similar games played)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts..
| Los Angeles Kings | Vegas Golden Knights | |
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Los Angeles Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights preview
A pivotal Pacific Division showdown is set to unfold at Crypto.com Arena as the division-leading Vegas Golden Knights (34-17-6) face off against the Los Angeles Kings (30-17-7) in what promises to be an intense defensive battle.
The Golden Knights enter the contest riding high on a three-game winning streak, most recently securing a 4-3 victory over the Bruins, while maintaining their position atop the Pacific Division with an impressive 3.28 goals per game average.
Vegas's dynamic duo of Jack Eichel and Mark Stone has been instrumental in their success, combining for 33 goals and 85 assists this season, while their defensive corps, anchored by Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo, has limited opponents to just 2.70 goals per game.
The Kings, despite their offensive struggles averaging 2.87 goals per game, have remained competitive thanks to their league-leading defensive performance, allowing just 2.54 goals per game.
Los Angeles's veteran center Anze Kopitar, alongside Adrian Kempe, has carried the offensive load with a combined 38 goals and 54 assists, though the team's scoring depth remains a concern.
The goaltending matchup features Vegas's Adin Hill (.903 save percentage) against LA's Darcy Kuemper, who has impressed with a .917 save percentage and 12.1 goals saved above average.
Both teams boast formidable defensive units, with Vegas's McNabb-Pietrangelo pairing and LA's Gavrikov-Edmundson combination proving particularly effective at limiting opposing opportunities.
This matchup has all the makings of a classic Western Conference defensive struggle, with special teams potentially playing a crucial role as Vegas brings their potent 28.03% power play success rate against LA's strong 83.01% penalty kill.
While the Golden Knights enter as slight favorites at -132, the Kings' home-ice advantage and superior defensive metrics make this an intriguingly balanced contest that could very well come down to a single bounce.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights form
Los Angeles Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights head to head
Los Angeles Kings
50%
Vegas Golden Knights
50%
Oct 31, 2024
Los Angeles Kings
6 : 3
Vegas Golden Knights
Oct 23, 2024
Vegas Golden Knights
6 : 1
Los Angeles Kings
Sep 26, 2024
Vegas Golden Knights
2 : 3
Los Angeles Kings
Dec 29, 2023
Vegas Golden Knights
3 : 2
Los Angeles Kings
Nov 9, 2023
Vegas Golden Knights
1 : 4
Los Angeles Kings
Oct 29, 2023
Los Angeles Kings
3 : 4
Vegas Golden Knights
