Nashville Predators (24-19-1) vs. Los Angeles Kings (21-11-8)
Nashville Predators vs. Los Angeles Kings 1/18/24 – The upcoming NHL showdown between the Nashville Predators and the Los Angeles Kings is poised to be a thrilling encounter. Set to take place on Thursday, at the Crypto.com Arena, this game pits the Predators against the Kings. As fans and analysts gear up for this match, there’s a keen interest in pro hockey game picks, with both teams showing a mix of promise and unpredictability in the regular season.
The Predators boasting a slightly better win-loss record will look to capitalize on their recent performances despite some inconsistency. Their offensive play has been led by dynamic Filip Forsberg and reliable Ryan O’Reilly, with each contributing key roles. Filip’s 22 goals and 26 assists are testament to this, while O’Reilly adds 16 goals with notable power play contributions that complement each other perfectly. But they will face stiff opposition in form of resilient defense from Kings who have proven resilient at home games.
Los Angeles Kings have assembled an imposing offensive lineup, led by Kopitar and Kempe. Kopitar’s 14 goals and 25 assists combined with his plus/minus rating make him a key component of their attack while Kempe’s agility and skill has resulted in 15 goals and 22 assists, adding depth to their attack. However, their potent attack will be tested by Nashville Predators who have demonstrated inconsistent defensive play this season.
Nashville Predators vs. Los Angeles Kings 1/18/24 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Juuse Saros vs. Goaltender Cam Talbot
Juuse Saros has had an uneven season as goaltender for the Predators, winning 17 and 15 games respectively. His 3.02 GAA average and save percentage of 0.901 display his potential but indicate room for improvement. Saros will be key in mitigating Los Angeles Kings’ offensive drive; how well he handles power plays and shootouts will also be key factors in his success against them.
Cam Talbot of the Los Angeles Kings presents a more consistent picture. With 14 wins, 10 losses, and five overtime losses under his belt he boasts 2.35 goals against per game with an admirable save percentage of 0.918 and has proven particularly strong when faced with shootout situations, where his 0.5 save percentage helps deter Predators attacks. Ultimately the game may come down to goalkeeper duels; perhaps Talbot’s consistency gives the Kings an edge.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
At the time of writing, the betting odds for the game have yet to be determined. However, given the current form and standing of both teams, it’s likely to be a closely contested match. Bettors should keep an eye on the odds as they are released, considering both teams’ recent performances and key players’ form.
Nashville Predators Betting Trends
The Predators have shown inconsistent betting trends recently. With only three wins out of their last five games and four against the spread in that same period, bettors may be wary; however, their better road game record against the spread (11-6) suggests they could still be surprising force away from home. Only one of their last five total OVER games occurred; an indicator that bettors should consider.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Trends
The Kings have fared slightly better recently, posting a 4-1 record in their last five games and an identical 1-4 mark against the spread in recent matches – much like their counterparts – suggesting they may hold an edge here. With only one total going OVER in these recent five contests, it seems the Kings may also be involved in lower scoring contests.
Nashville Predators vs. Los Angeles Kings 1/18/24 Betting Picks
As it currently stands, this game looks to be an intriguing contest with potential surprises for both sides. Both squads have shown different degrees of strength and vulnerability throughout the season, making this contest especially compelling to bettors. Saros versus Talbot may prove pivotal; with Talbot having shown more consistent play giving Kings an edge.
As for picks, considering both teams’ recent history of lower scoring games, the UNDER may be an advantageous bet in terms of total points. As far as who wins, recent form and home advantage could likely favor the Kings; however, don’t underestimate Nashville’s ability to surprise on the road; making this pick both risky and potentially rewarding.
For those looking for multi-handicapper tips, it’s advisable to wait for the final odds and consider any last-minute changes in team dynamics or key player injuries. In a game that’s likely to be close, such variables can have a significant impact.
Free Pick and Prediction: Los Angeles Kings 3, Nashville Predators 2