A pair of teams that have put themselves squarely in playoff contention, the Los Angeles Kings and the Nashville Predators clash at Bridgestone Arena in a Western Conference tilt. This one gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 1 and it is being shown live on NBC Sports Network.
Los Angeles Kings at Nashville Predators Odds
Nashville is 29-19 straight up (SU) and has netted moneyline bettors 6.2 units this season. That winning percentage, ranked third in the NHL in this young season, is an improvement over the 41-41 record from last year’s regular season campaign. Of the team’s 48 games this season, 23 have gone under the total, while 23 have gone over and none have pushed. The team’s 16-8 SU at home this year.
The Predators have been able to convert on 23.7 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that places them in the top-5 among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked eighth overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 82.9 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, the Predators have been penalized 4.8 times per game overall this season, and 2.8 per game over their last five games at home. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays for just 5.9 minutes per game over their last 10 outings, overall.
With a .927 save percentage and 29.2 saves per game, Pekka Rinne (24-11-3) has been the top option in goal for Nashville this year. If Nashville chooses to give him a rest, however, it may go with Juuse Saros (5-9-9 record, .927 save percentage, 2.33 goals against average).
P.K. Subban and Filip Forsberg will both spearhead the attack for the Predators. Subban (37 points) is up to 12 goals and 25 assists and has recorded multiple points on nine different occasions this year. Forsberg has 15 goals and 19 assists to his name and has recorded a point in 25 contests.
Over on the other bench, Los Angeles is 27-23 straight up (SU) and has earned 1.1 units for moneyline bettors this season. A total of 26 of its games have gone under the total, while 21 have gone over and just three have pushed. The Kings are 15-11 SU as an away team this season.
The Kings have converted on 19.0 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked first overall and it’s successfully killed off 86.2 percent of all penalties.
Los Angeles’ skaters have been whistled for penalties 4.2 times per game this season, and 5.0 per game over their last five games. The team has been forced to defend opponent power plays 9.2 minutes per contest over their last five road games.
Jonathan Quick (.921 save percentage and 2.44 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for Los Angeles. Quick is averaging 27.4 saves per game and has 20 wins, 19 losses, and two OT losses to his credit.
Anze Kopitar (19 goals, 34 assists) has been one of the primary offensive play makers for the visiting Kings.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators Free Picks
NHL Pick: SU Winner – Predators, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Trends
Nashville (4-4 in shootouts) has significantly more experience this season in games decided by shootout. Los Angelesemerged victorious in both of its shootouts this year.
The total has gone under in three of Nashville’s last five outings.
Los Angeles has attempted 30.8 shots per contest overall this season (ranked 22nd in the NHL), and 31.2 in its last five road games.
Six of Los Angeles’ last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 2-4 in those games.
Los Angeles skaters have accounted for the fourth-most hits in the league (25.1 per game), but the team’s averaged just 17.6 hits over their last five away games.
