The red-hot Los Angeles Kings welcome a road-weary Nashville Predators squad to Crypto.com Arena in what shapes up as a compelling clash of teams heading in opposite directions.
While the Kings have been nearly unbeatable at home with 16 wins in their last 20 games and are riding high behind Darcy Kuemper's stellar goaltending that includes three recent shutouts, the visiting Predators face the tough task of playing their second game in two nights despite winning their last four straight.
The Kings' lockdown defense that allows just 25.7 shots per game squares off against a Predators offense led by Filip Forsberg's 59 points when the home team hosts the away team at 8:05pm EST.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Los Angeles Kings vs Nashville Predators matchup, our predictive model gives the Kings a 71% chance of defeating the Preds.
Pre-game probabilities
Los Angeles Kings
Moneyline
Win %
71%
29%
Nashville Predators
Los Angeles Kings: 71% win probability
- Strong defensive record (169 goals against, 6th best in Western Conference)
- Excellent recent form (4 wins in last 5 games - WWWWL)
- Higher league position (6th place with 79 points vs Predators' 14th place)
Nashville Predators: 29% win probability
- Poor goal differential (-42, allowing 213 goals while scoring 171)
- Lower points total (57 points in 65 games, 14th in conference)
- Inconsistent road performance (25 losses in 65 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 | Nashville Predators | |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline |
Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators preview
The red-hot Los Angeles Kings are looking to extend their impressive home streak as they welcome a struggling Nashville Predators squad to Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night.
Kings' netminder Darcy Kuemper has been nothing short of spectacular lately, coming off a shutout against Washington and allowing just two goals in his last three starts - he's been the backbone of LA's stingy defense that's giving up only 2.6 goals per game.
While the Preds have managed to string together four straight wins, they'll face an uphill battle with their star defenseman Roman Josi sidelined and playing the second night of a back-to-back on the road.
Filip Forsberg remains Nashville's bright spot, leading the team with 25 goals and 59 points, but he'll need to find a way through LA's third-ranked defense that's allowing just 25.7 shots per game.
The Kings' offense hasn't exactly been lighting up the scoreboard, but Adrian Kempe (27 goals) and veteran playmaker Anze Kopitar (37 assists) have formed a dynamic duo that's kept opponents honest.
Nashville's Juuse Saros has had a rough go this season with a .898 save percentage, and he'll need to channel some magic to outduel Kuemper's .917 mark.
The Kings have turned Crypto.com Arena into a fortress, winning 16 of their last 20 at home, while the Predators have dropped six of their last eight road games.
With LA pushing to keep pace in a tight Pacific Division race - just six points behind Vegas - this matchup has all the makings of a classic Western Conference defensive battle.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators form
Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators head to head
Los Angeles Kings
33%
Nashville Predators
67%
Dec 21, 2024
Nashville Predators
3 : 2
Los Angeles Kings
Nov 5, 2024
Nashville Predators
0 : 3
Los Angeles Kings
Feb 23, 2024
Los Angeles Kings
1 : 4
Nashville Predators
Feb 1, 2024
Nashville Predators
2 : 4
Los Angeles Kings
Jan 19, 2024
Los Angeles Kings
1 : 2
Nashville Predators
Mar 12, 2023
Los Angeles Kings
1 : 2
Nashville Predators
