Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, the team here at Last Word on Hockey will dive deep into analysis for any game to give you the scoop on what elements can change the outcome. Today, we’re examining the contest between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Los Angeles Kings. Be sure to keep an eye on our other NHL Predictions as the season presses on.
NHL Predictions
Los Angeles Kings vs Carolina Hurricanes
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: FDSNSO; KCAL; ESPN+
The Los Angeles Kings travel to Raleigh, North Carolina to take on the Hurricanes for the first time this season. The Hurricanes are looking to keep their position near the top of the Metropolitan Division, while the Kings are trying to stay in the top three in the Pacific Division. Even though this is a cross-conference matchup, that doesn’t mean it won’t be a competitive battle.
The Hurricanes Story
The Hurricanes enter this one following a victory at home over the Chicago Blackhawks where the team honoured Frederik Andersen reaching 500 games played. Even though it was a week ago now, their blockbuster trade to get Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall is still sending ripples throughout the league. Rantanen got his first goal as a Hurricane against Chicago while Hall missed the game due to illness. In fact, also missing due to something going around the locker room in that game was top centre Sebastian Aho. Others weren’t feeling good but managed to stick it out while the team played down a man and also recalled Ryan Suzuki for his first NHL game.
Who is in and who is out is going to be a big question in this matchup that could affect the outcome. As a team, the Hurricanes have been doing pretty well of late. They have points in seven straight games, have won their last two and are 7-1-2 in their last ten. They boast the top penalty kill in the league, but the power play could use some improvement. Goal scoring has been decent for this team, while the new additions only serve to help that metric. Again, for this one, check game day rosters due to the illnesses. In net, Frederik Andersen should see action as Pyotr Kochetkov started against the Blackhawks.
The Kings Story
The Kings come to Raleigh following a disappointing shutout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday night. While Los Angeles started the season pretty hot, of late they have been struggling a bit. They are on a four-game losing streak and are 2-7-1 in their last ten. Goal scoring has been a bit of a struggle for them this season, but it has really been a struggle of late. For the season, they are near the bottom of the league in goals for per game with 2.76. In addition, their power play has struggled a bit with a 15.5% effective rate.
Adrian Kempe leads the team in points with 44 while captain Anze Kopitar sits right behind him with 43. Kempe also leads the team in goals with 24. Darcy Kuemper has had a solid season in net with a .921 save percentage and 2.17 goals against average and a 14-6-6 record. The Kings will hope to get some offensive flair in this one as they look to stay above the Calgary Flames in the Pacific Division.
Prediction
This round of NHL Predictions looks at two teams trending in different directions. But there are no guarantees in hockey. The Hurricanes have shown they can still grind out a win being down some players but that is not an ideal situation. If they continue to miss players due to illness, the Kings might pose more trouble for them than the Blackhawks. Otherwise, Carolina’s confidence in this one and ability to line match at home should provide them with a boost in this one.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-1
Prop Bets of the Night
Looking at bets for the night, the moneyline favours Carolina with -176 odds. For any time goal scorers, look at Rantanen for Carolina to get another one as he settles more into the system. For Los Angeles, Kopitar is a safe bet but also consider Warren Foegele to score against the team that drafted him with a bit of an off-the-board pick.
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions February 1st Los Angeles Kings vs Carolina Hurricanes appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.