The Los Angeles Kings (22-14-6) meet the Vegas Golden Knights (27-12-2) Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m. (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Kings vs. Golden Knights odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Kings are reeling after a 5-2 loss on home ice against the Boston Bruins, and Los Angeles has dropped 2 of the past 3 games overall. It was able to double up Vegas in the most recent meeting at Crypto.com Arena, winning 4-2 Dec. 27.
The Golden Knights stroll in on a 3-game heater, including wins over the red-hot Pittsburgh Penguins and Stanley Cup champ Colorado Avalanche in their place. Overall, VGK is 5-1-1 in the past 7 games overall, but that lone loss in regulation was to the Kings in L.A.
Kings at Golden Knights odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub Lines last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Kings +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Golden Knights -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Kings +1.5 (-190) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+150)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)
Kings at Golden Knights projected goalies
Pheonix Copley (9-2-0, 2.66 GAA, .901 SV%) vs Logan Thompson (18-9-1, 2.61 GAA, .915 SV%, 2 SO)
Copley was cooled off by the visiting Bruins last time out, as he allowed 4 goals on 21 shots for his first loss in 8 starts. His last previous loss was Dec. 13 in Buffalo. He has allowed 3 or fewer goal in 6 of the past 8 outings.
Thompson was sharp in his most-recent showing, allowing just 2 goals on 29 shots in a 3-2 road win against the Avs. He has won back-to-back wins, but he hasn’t won 3 consecutive starts since Nov. 17-23 when he topped the Coyotes, Canucks and Senators in succession.
Kings at Golden Knights picks and predictions
Prediction
Golden Knights 3, Kings 2
Moneyline
The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-160) are moderate favorites, and they come with some risk considering this team was just beaten by the Kings (+140) in Los Angeles less than 2 weeks ago.
While the Kings are 4-0 in the past 4 games inside the Pacific Division, and the Golden Knights are 0-4 in the past 4 inside the division, VGK has won 4 straight on home ice. It is also 12-5 in the past 17 against winning teams.
Look for VGK to exact a little revenge.
Puck line/Against the spread
The Kings +1.5 (-190) are a little too expensive if you’d like a little insurance, costing nearly 2 times your potential return. If you like Los Angeles, just play it straight up.
PASS.
Over/Under
UNDER 6.5 (-120) might be the best play on the board, but know it comes with some risk.
The Over is 8-1 in the past 9 meetings in this series, while going 5-1 in the past 6 battles in Las Vegas. However, the lone Under in the previous 9 meetings was in the most recent battle in Los Angeles Dec. 27.
The Under is 8-3 in the past 11 games overall for L.A., and 5-2 in the past 7 on the road. The Under is 4-0 in the past 4 inside the division for VGK, too.
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