Seattle Kraken (10-14-8) vs. Los Angeles Kings (17-6-4)
Kraken vs. Kings 12/20/23 – On Wednesday night in an anticipated free NHL matchups and analysis event, Seattle Kraken take on Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena at 10:00 PM ET and air live on TNT. Known for their 10-14-8 record and strong 17-6-4 standing respectively, both teams bring different strengths to this encounter that promises an engaging battle between them this season.
Vince Dunn and Oliver Bjorkstrand have led The Kraken’s offense, showing sparks of brilliance but lacking consistency. Dunn has scored 25 points while playing an integral role in power plays – two critical components to their offensive success. Bjorkstrand’s 11.4 shooting percentage attests to his effectiveness but overall performance has been lacking for this team. They will face a formidable Kings’ defense that has contributed greatly to their season’s success; to breach that wall effectively and increase scoring chances.
On the other side of things, the Kings have demonstrated an aggressive offensive front. Anze Kopitar’s 21.8 shooting percentage and playmaking skills have been key offensive components; Adrian Kempe has added his versatility as Kevin Fiala added depth. All these players together present a formidable threat for Kraken defenses that have struggled this season to remain consistent; therefore they will need to reduce turnovers while managing power plays effectively to have any hope at thwarting this threat from King.
Kraken vs. Kings 12/20/23 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Joey Daccord vs. Goaltender Cam Talbot
Joey Daccord has performed admirably given Seattle’s struggles, posting a .908 save percentage across 18 appearances. However, his goals against average sits at 2.57. Daccord hasn’t faced an offense quite as daunting as the Kings unit this season. LA is scoring over 3.5 goals per contest in their last five games and Daccord could be overwhelmed if his team struggles defensively.
Cam Talbot has exceeded expectations as LA’s starter, earning an impressive .926 save percentage and 2.02 goals against average through 20 starts. He’s won five straight while allowing two or fewer goals in each game. Talbot should have the upper hand over a Kraken offense that has managed two or fewer scores in five consecutive defeats. His ability to steal a win here seems likely if called upon.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be released, but the Kings are likely to be the favorites given their superior record and recent form. Bettors should closely monitor the puckline and moneyline for insights into the game’s dynamics and potential betting opportunities.
Seattle Kraken Betting Trends
The Kraken are 0-5 straight up and 1-4 against the spread over their last five overall. Seattle has struggled offensively, scoring just six total goals during this span. Defensively, the Kraken are allowing 3.4 goals per game in their last five matchups. On the road this season, Seattle has been a profitable underdog posting a 10-5 ATS record. However, the trends clearly favor the surging Kings in this Pacific Division showdown.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Trends
The Kings ride a five-game winning streak both straight up and against the spread into this matchup. LA has scored at least three goals in every contest while allowing just six total. At home, the Kings are 8-6 ATS this season. More recently, four of LA’s last seven games at Crypto.com Arena have finished under the projected total. Riding multiple impressive streaks, the Kings own all the betting momentum ahead of facing the scuffling Kraken.
Seattle Kraken vs. Los Angeles Kings 12/20/23 Betting Picks
Considering the current trends and team dynamics, the Kings appear to be the stronger team, especially with their formidable home record and offensive capabilities. The Kraken will face an uphill battle, and their success hinges on their defense stepping up and Daccord’s goaltending prowess. For prop bets, focusing on individual performances of key players like Kopitar and Bjorkstrand could be fruitful.
For the final pick, the Kings seem to be the safer bet, given their recent form and overall team strength. The over/under might lean towards the ‘OVER’, considering the potential for the Kings to capitalize on their offensive prowess. For those seeking premium picks today, this matchup provides an excellent opportunity for strategic betting based on in-depth analysis and team trends.
Free Pick and Prediction: Los Angeles Kings 4, Seattle Kraken 2