The Penguins head west to face the Los Angeles Kings in a late-night showdown at Crypto.com Arena. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. Tonight, the Penguins aim to snap their recent struggles against a Kings team thriving at home.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Kings 0-1 Penguins
Time: 10:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh; Bally Sports West; ESPN+
This is the second and final meeting of the season between the Penguins and Kings. The Penguins took the first game 3-2. Pittsburgh is looking to bounce back from a loss against the Washington Capitals. Meanwhile, The Kings are looking to snap back into shape after their loss against the Seattle Kraken.
The Penguins’ Story
The past few weeks have been disastrous for Pittsburgh. Whereas weeks ago they were in a wildcard spot with a clear path to make the playoffs, things have changed drastically. Pittsburgh is 2-5-3 in their last 10, sitting third last in the conference. Sidney Crosby leads the team, scoring 49 points in 48 games. Rickard Rakell has continued to stay hot, reaching 40 points and 23 goals in 48 games for the team. Michael Bunting and Matt Grzelcyk have been nice depth addition for the team. Bunting has 26 points in 46 games. Meanwhile, Grzelcyk has 24 points in 48 games while manning the top powerplay.
In net, former starter Tristan Jarry was sent down to the AHL for a second time this season following poor performances. With his demotion, rookie Joel Blomqvist is back in the NHL. Facing the Washington Capitals, Blomqvist saved 31 of 34 shots in a 4-1 loss. Even with the disappointing result, Blomqvist was able to once again pitch a respectable save percentage in his start against Washington.
The Kings’ Story
Coming off a 4-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken, the Kings are 25-13-5 on the season. This record puts the team for third in the Pacific division, staving off trams like the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. In their last 10, Los Angeles has played well with a 6-4-0 record. Leading the team is Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar, both with 42 points in 43 games. After them is a steep drop-off in scoring, with an emphasis on depth. The next highest scorer Alex Laferriere has just 26 points in 41 games. The Kings offensive depth will need to shop up against the Penguin’s defence.
In net, Darcy Kuemper is likely to get the start. Kuemper has been phenomenal this season with a .922 save percentage and a 13-4-5 record. Behind him, David Rittich has an 11-9-0 record with a measly .867 save percentage. If Kuemper draws in for this game, expect Pittsburgh to struggle to get much by the netminder,
Prediction
The King’s depth and goaltending have landed them in a good spot. The team has found a groove and settled into it. Pittsburgh on the other hand is a very hot and cold team. Right now, the Penguins are in a cold streak that doesn’t seem ready to boil over anytime soon.
Prediction: Kings win 5-2.
Prop Bet for the Night
FanDuel’s Total Goals Over 6.0 (+108) – With Pittsburgh struggling to keep the puck out of their net, this Kings team has the depth needed to dominate on home ice.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions January 20th Pittsburgh Penguins vs Los Angeles Kings appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.