The Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers meet in NHL action from Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Two teams on absolute fire right now, who comes out on top? Let’s dive in and give out a Kings vs. Rangers Prediction.
Los Angeles Kings Team Preview
The Los Angeles Kings come into this one looking to rebound from a 3-2 OT loss to the New York Islanders last time out for their first road loss of the year. Adrian Kempe leads the Kings in scoring with 25 points including 16 assists in addition to 9 goals while Anze Kopitar also has 24 points including 10 goals and 14 assists. Trevor Moore also has 22 points with a team-high 13 goals of his own and Kevin Fiala also has 25 points with a team-high 19 assists of his own. Quinton Byfield also has 21 points with 8 goals and 13 assists. Cam Talbot has posted a 12-4-2 mark in goal for the Kings this season with a 1.91 GAA and a .931 save percentage while Pheonix Copley is 4-0-2 with a 3.03 GAA and a .873 save percentage as well this season.
Los Angeles Kings Team Facts
- The Kings have won each of their last four games as underdogs.
- The Kings have covered the puck line in each of their last five games as underdogs.
- The Kings have lost the third period in 10 of their last 12 games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Kings’ last 14 games as underdogs against opponents on a losing streak.
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New York Rangers Team Preview
The New York Rangers come into this one looking to bounce back from a 4-0 loss at the hands of the Washington Capitals last time out. Artemi Panarin leads the Rangers in scoring with 37 points including team-highs of 16 goals and 21 assists while Chris Kreider has 20 points with 14 goals of his own. Vincent Trocheck has 22 points as well with 16 assists while Mika Zibanejad has 20 points and Erik Gustafsson has 15 points with 26 assists combined between the two. Igor Shesterkin has gone 10-6 with a 2.83 GAA and a .908 save percentage while Jonathan Quick is 7-0-1 with a 2.34 GAA and a .918 save percentage between the pipes for the Rangers this season.
New York Rangers Team Facts
- The Rangers have won each of their last 10 games as favorites against Pacific Division opponents.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Rangers’ last seven games.
- The Rangers have won the first period in each of their last six games as home favorites against Pacific Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in 14 of the Rangers’ last 15 home games against Pacific Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The New York Rangers ranks 3rd in the league in power play percentage this season (29.33%).
- The New York Rangers ranks 7th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (85.37%).
- The Los Angeles Kings ranks 1st in the league for goals against per game this season (2.25).
- The Los Angeles Kings ranks 2nd in the league for goals per game this season (3.79).
Kings vs. Rangers Prediction
I’m on the Rangers here. I was initially looking at the over, but then I saw Igor Shesterkin start for the Rangers on Saturday, meaning we likely see Jonathan Quick in goal here and not only has Quick been one of the better #2 options in goal for any team in the league this season, but this is a total revenge spot for Quick after spending the majority of his career in Los Angeles. The Kings have been a solid bet on the road all year long, but sometimes after your first one after such a long win streak there can be a bit of a hangover, and I think the Rangers take advantage here.
