Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators – The highly-anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and the Nashville Predators is set to take place on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in the NHL Regular Season. The Kings, boasting a record of 22-15-10, are set to clash with the Predators, who hold a record of 26-22-1. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter. Fans and bettors, especially those using the best sportsbook in Canada, are eagerly anticipating this showdown.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 7:30 PM ET
Location: Bridgestone Arena
TV: TNT
Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Puckline | Total |
| Kings | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Predators | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Los Angeles Kings Analysis
The Kings have received excellent goaltending this season from their starter in net. In 32 games played, Cam Talbot has posted a 2.59 goals against average along with a .911 save percentage. He has faced a heavy workload as well, playing over 1850 minutes while making 817 total saves. His ability to withstand and even thrive under high shot volume could prove pivotal in keeping the Predators scorers at bay. If he can replicate that stingy play in Nashville, the Kings should have a good chance to allow their offense to dictate play and control possession.
Additionally, Los Angeles boasts decent scoring depth up front. They have received contributions from multiple lines and have three forwards pacing 40+ points on the season so far. While they may lack an elite superstar forward, the Kings feature good top to bottom lineup balance and several players averaging around a point-per game pace or better. That scoring depth and ability to get production from all four lines is an underrated factor that could exploit Nashville’s defensive issues. If multiple Kings forwards are firing on cylinders, they can expose the Predators’ occasional lapses.
Nashville Predators Analysis
Nashville’s goaltender, Juuse Saros, has battled some regression and inconsistency after a Vezina-finalist campaign last year. But at his best, he has shown flashes of stealing games singlehandedly for the Predators. If he can recapture that level for this matchup, he gives Nashville a fighting chance to shut down a capable Kings offense. When he is on top of his game, he has the quickness and athleticism to make acrobatic saves and bail his team out when they breakdown defensively. Getting a quality start from him would provide a major confidence boost.
Offensively, the Predators feature impressive firepower up front led by a 50-point scorer on pace to deliver a strong goal-scoring season. He headlines an attack with other capable scorers like a center contributing 17 goals so far as secondary production. That one-two punch could exploit some Kings defensive issues and porous play, especially if the bottom defensive pairings show lapses in coverage. If Nashville’s top guns play up to their potential and exposed any holes or sloppy zone play, they should be able to manufacture enough quality chances to tilt the score in their favor.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators Against the Spread
The Kings are just 1-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last five contests. However, they have been strong on the road with a 12-12 ATS record away from home. The totals have gone OVER in 11 of L.A.’s 23 last road matchups indicating high-scoring affairs.
Meanwhile, the Predators have also struggled against the number at just 1-4 ATS in their previous five outings. But they have been solid at home ATS with a 13-11 mark this season. The totals have gone OVER in nine of Nashville’s last 25 games at Bridgestone Arena showing some offensive fireworks on home ice.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators Free Pick
Based trends, and team stats, here are the picks
Moneyline: Nashville Predators. The Predators’ slightly better performance in recent games and their home advantage tilt the scales in their favor.
Spread: Los Angeles Kings. Despite the Kings’ recent struggles against the spread, their overall performance and key players like Kempe and Kopitar make them a good choice to cover the spread.
Total: Under. Both teams have strong goaltenders, which could lead to a lower-scoring game.
Predicted Score: Nashville Predators 3, Los Angeles Kings 2
The most reliable pick for this game seems to be the spread, favoring the Kings. While the Predators have the home advantage and a decent track record, the Kings’ offensive strength and Talbot’s goaltending prowess make them capable of covering the spread. As always, hockey expert picks involve careful consideration of all factors, and this game promises to be a close and exciting contest.
