Los Angeles Kings (16-5-4) vs. Seattle Kraken (9-14-7)
Kings vs. Kraken 12/16/23 – In an exciting NHL regular season matchup, the Los Angeles Kings, with a solid 16-5-4 record, will face off against the Seattle Kraken, currently at 9-14-7, on Saturday, December 16, 2023. This game, set for 10:00 PM ET at Climate Pledge Arena and broadcast on ESPN+, is drawing considerable attention from hockey enthusiasts looking for daily hockey free picks. The Kings come into the game with a strong record, especially in road games, while the Kraken are looking to bounce back from a series of losses.
The Los Angeles Kings offense has been firing on all cylinders during their win streak, averaging over 4 goals per game. Adrian Kempe leads the squad with 26 points, including a team-high 9 goals. His speed and scoring touch give LA a dynamic weapon. Anze Kopitar and Kevin Fiala round out a formidable top line, while the defense led by Drew Doughty has held opponents to fewer than 2 goals per contest. They’ll be tested by Seattle’s physical defense though.
Despite their recent struggles, the Seattle Kraken still boast offensive talent capable of pouncing on any defensive lapses. Winger Oliver Bjorkstrand is having a strong season with 21 points, while defenseman Vince Dunn’s 23 points lead the team. Still, Seattle has struggled to generate offense consistently, averaging under 3 goals per game. Against LA’s staunch defense and red-hot goalie Jonathan Quick, putting the puck in the net won’t come easy.
Kings vs. Kraken 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Climate Pledge Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Cam Talbot vs. Goaltender Philipp Grubauer
Veteran netminder Cam Talbot has been a stabilizing force in goal during the King’s recent hot streak. In his 18 appearances this season, Talbot has compiled outstanding stats including a sparkling 1.91 goals against average along with a .931 save percentage. He has shown exceptional ability to track the puck through heavy traffic in front of the crease and control his rebounds to limit second chance opportunities. Talbot’s rock-solid technical foundation, combined with nearly a decade of NHL experience has made him extremely difficult to beat this season. He projects as a key factor if the Kings hope to sustain their four-game win streak on the road against the struggling Kraken.
In the Seattle net, Philipp Grubauer enters this contest seeking to elevate his inconsistent campaign. His 17 starts have yielded disappointing totals including a 3.25 goals against average and .884 save percentage – numbers that rank near the bottom of the league among regular starters. After a lights-out performance last postseason, the veteran has struggled to recapture that form. Breakdowns in rebound control and positioning have proven costly. Still, the potential is there for Grubauer to steal a game if he’s on his game. He showed last spring he can raise his level against elite competition. The Kraken’s hopes of pulling off an upset and snapping their five-game skid rests heavily on the shoulders of Grubauer finding consistency between the pipes. This matchup against the NHL’s highest scoring offense will present a major test he must ace for the home team to have a chance.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
While the betting odds are yet to be announced, the Kings are likely to be favored given their superior record and recent form. Bettors will need to consider both teams’ recent performances and trends when evaluating the odds once they are released.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Trends
The Los Angeles Kings are 16-5 straight up and have covered in just 2 of their last 5 contests, so they haven’t been reliable from a betting perspective lately despite their strong record. One promising trend is their 8-5 mark against the spread away from home.
Seattle Kraken Betting Trends
Home underdogs have been profitable bets all season long when it comes to the Seattle Kraken. They are 10-5 against the spread on home ice, including a solid 7-5 mark versus the total. The Kraken have gone over frequently in recent home games.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Seattle Kraken 12/16/23 Betting Picks
Considering the current form and trends of both teams, the Kings appear to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their stronger offensive and defensive records, coupled with Talbot’s stellar goaltending, make them the likely favorites.
However, the Kraken, playing at home, could leverage their home advantage and potentially surprise. Expert premium tips might lean towards the Kings, especially considering their recent performance and the Kraken’s struggles. Prop bets and the over/under on total goals might also offer interesting options given the teams’ recent scoring trends.
Free Pick and Prediction: Los Angeles Kings 3, Seattle Kraken 1