Kings Looking for Fourth Straight Win
Less than two weeks remain in the 2021-22 NHL season, and there are still some playoff races that are up for grabs. The Los Angeles Kings welcome the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night, and the home team needs to pick up a win.
The Ducks come into this game having gone 1-4 in the last five games, and their most recent game was a home loss to the Kings. Anaheim is not making the playoffs as they have 74 points.
Los Angeles enters with 94 points, and that has it in third place in the Pacific Division. The Kings have won three straight games, but they have to keep winning to make the postseason.
The NHL betting lines for this game have the Los Angeles Kings as big betting favorites at -230 on the moneyline.
Let’s check the latest NHL lines, stats, injury reports, and NHL odds for Ducks vs Kings. We’ve plenty of NHL picks and predictions.
Ducks’ Defense Falling Apart
The Anaheim Ducks come in giving up 3.2 goals per game, and that defense has actually been much worse of late. Anaheim has killed off 81% of its penalties, but the Ducks struggle when at even strength.
The offense has been there for Anaheim of late as it has scored 14 goals over their last five games. Center Troy Terry leads the team with 36 goals and 64 total points.
Anaheim played a solid game in the 2-1 loss to the Kings earlier this season, but it must find a way to repeat that performance on the road.
Kings Coming Up in the Clutch
The season statistics for the Los Angeles Kings are interesting as they are averaging 2.81 goals per game while also allowing 2.8 goals per game. Los Angeles continues to play in close games nearly every night, but the Kings have been on the right side of things of late.
Goaltender Jonathan Quick has stepped up his game, winning four of his last five starts. Todd McLellan, coach of the Kings, recently said, “This is his time of year, and he has elevated his game.”
Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe have led the Kings on offense this season, but other players have started to step up of late. Kopitar has 45 assists and 64 points, and Kempe leads the team with 34 goals.
Anaheim Ducks vs Los Angeles Kings Head-to-Head
This is the fourth meeting between the Pacific Division rivals and the second this week.
Los Angeles came away with a 2-1 win in Anaheim in the most recent meeting, and the Kings have won two of the first three games against their rivals.
Anaheim Ducks vs Los Angeles Kings Game Information
- Game: Anaheim Ducks (30-34-14) at Los Angeles Kings (42-27-10)
- Location: crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- Day/Time: Saturday, April 23, 10:35 p.m. ET
- Live Stream: NHL TV
Anaheim Ducks vs Los Angeles Kings Betting Lines
Anaheim Ducks vs Los Angeles Kings Prediction
It’s always helpful when the latest scores and odds include a matchup of the game you are looking to bet on. Things can always change in the NHL, but the Kings’ recent win in Anaheim should give you a good glimpse of how this game might play out.
The Kings still have something to play for, while the Ducks are simply looking to play the role of spoiler. Anaheim just hasn’t been a good defensive team this season, and the Kings are going to have a big night on the offensive end.
Playing at home has treated the Kings well, and this is a game that could see some separation late. Head to BetUS Sportsbook and take the Los Angeles Kings -1 ½ as they cruise to another win.
