The Penguins continue their California trip with a game against the Kings. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In tonight’s matchup, the Pittsburgh Penguins look to bounce back from a two-game skid against the Los Angeles Kings.
NHL Predictions Los Angeles Kings vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
2024-25 Head-to-Head: Penguins 2 – LA Kings 0
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
How to Watch TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh; Sportsnet+
Pittsburgh takes on Los Angeles as the Penguins and Kings both look to build momentum.
The Penguins Story
The Penguins started the season off well, winning their first two games. Since then, the team has lost 6-1 to the New York Rangers, and then 4-3 to the Anaheim Ducks. Following the blowout loss to the Rangers, the Penguins would lose a 2-0 lead and give up the game winning goal with just a minute to go until overtime. These losses have quickly derailed any mounting momentum and excitement for the team. Instead, these losses have quickly reminded fans why the Penguins are expected to be in the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes this season.
Despite the loss, Pittsburgh did have some notable performances. Justin Brazeau stays hot, scoring his fourth goal in four games to start the season. The “mutant” line of Brazeau, Evgeni Malkin, and Anthony Mantha have sustained momentum, as Mantha picked up a goal, and Malkin an assist. In addition to these performances, defenceman Ryan Shea had a standout game. Typically, a seventh-defenceman option for the Penguins, Shea has gained experience in the NHL over the last couple seasons due to the lack of depth on the team’s left side. Shea picked up two primary assists on shots that were tipped in by Brazeau and Rakell. As he doesn’t figure into the Penguins long-term plans, Shea could see himself increase his value enough to garner interest at the trade deadline.
The Kings Story
What was once an up-and-coming hockey team has now started to falter. Coming into Anze Kopitar’s final season, the Kings were expected to be a playoff lock. The team made significant changes in the offseason, with the signings of Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin being the most notable. While both are NHL-calibre defencemen, their roles in the Kings lineup seems to be mismatched. This issue and a slow start from the team have led the Kings to a 1-2-1 start to the season. It’s too early to hit the panic button, but for a team that’s seemingly been on a downwards trajectory for the last couple seasons, course correcting will be important if the team can’t recover soon.
Even with a slower start to the season, the Kings showed some life in their last game on Monday night against the Minnesota Wild. The Wild went up 3-0 after two periods. Goals from Kevin Fiala, Quinton Byfield and Adrian Kempe however, tied the game at three, before the Wild came out on top in the shootout. Going down 3-0 is far from a winning strategy, but the Kings’ ability to stay in games and push back shows a crucial compete level to the roster that’ll aid them in their playoff push.
NHL Prediction
The Pittsburgh Penguins have spent the last two games reminding the hockey world what their team is. Playing at home, the Los Angeles Kings are primed to play a confidence-instilling game against a defensively irresponsible Pittsburgh squad.
NHL Prediction: Kings win 5-3.
Prop Bet for the Night
A popular prop bet is the total goals over 7, with odds of +230. The Penguins have been scoring at a good pace, and struggling defensively at an even greater one. Expect a high-scoring game Thursday night in Los Angeles.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The post NHL Predictions: October 16th Pittsburgh Penguins at Los Angeles Kings appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.