The Los Angeles Kings and the Columbus Blue Jackets meet in NHL action from the Nationwide Arena on Tuesday night. Can the Kings keep the winning run going? Or can Columbus hand the Kings their first road loss of the year? Let’s dive in and give out a Kings vs. Blue Jackets Prediction.
Los Angeles Kings Team Preview
The Los Angeles Kings come into this one looking to build on their 4-1 win over Colorado last time out. Adrian Kempe leads the Kings in scoring with 22 points including a team-high 14 assists in addition to 8 goals while Anze Kopitar has 20 points including 10 goals and 10 assists. Trevor Moore also has 20 points with a team-high 12 goals of his own and Kevin Fiala also has 20 points with 14 assists of his own. Quinton Byfield also has 18 points with 6 goals and 12 assists. Cam Talbot has posted a 11-4-1 mark in goal for the Kings this season with a 1.96 GAA and a .930 save percentage while Pheonix Copley is 3-0-2 with a 3.04 GAA and a .868 save percentage as well this season.
Los Angeles Kings Team Facts
- The Kings have lost each of their last three games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in seven of the Kings’ last eight games at Nationwide Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Kings’ last eight games following a home win.
- The Kings have won the first period in four of their last five games following a win.
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Columbus Blue Jackets Team Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets come into this game looking to rebound from a 3-1 loss to Boston last time out. Zach Werenski leads the Blue Jackets in scoring with 19 points including a team-high 18 assists while Boone Jenner has 18 points with a team-high 13 goals. Ivan Provorov’s added 15 points with 13 assists while Kirill Marchenko has 13 points with 7 goals and Johnny Gaudreau has 13 points with 10 assists. Elvis Merzlikins has gone 6-8-3 in goal for Columbus with a 3.04 GAA and an .911 save percentage while Spencer Martin is 2-6-1 with a 3.20 GAA and a .902 save percentage this season.
Columbus Blue Jackets Team Facts
- The Blue Jackets have won five of their last six games as home underdogs against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in nine of their last 10 games as home underdogs against Pacific Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last eight home games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Blue Jackets have won the first period in each of their last five games at Nationwide Arena following a road loss.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Columbus Blue Jackets ranks 4th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (86.84%).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets ranks 27th in the league in power play percentage this season (12.66%).
- The Los Angeles Kings ranks 1st in the league for goals per game this season (3.86).
- The Los Angeles Kings ranks 1st in the league for goals against per game this season (2.29).
Kings vs. Blue Jackets Prediction
I’m sticking with the Kings here. Until I have a reason to deviate from the Kings and their winning run on the road so far, I’m not going to try to catch a falling knife, especially with the Blue Jackets on the other side. Give me Los Angeles -1.5.
