Pittsburgh Penguins vs
Los Angeles KingsPredictions & Preview

Kings favored over Penguins in cross-conference showdown at Crypto.com Arena - NHL Picks for January 20, 2025

The NHL's 2024-25 season continues with a nine-game schedule on Martin Luther King Day, highlighted by the cross-conference matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The Penguins previously defeated the Kings 3-2 in overtime in December, leading to speculation about the outcome of their upcoming game. Despite Los Angeles being the betting favorite at -185, the line has remained unchanged. For more insights on the Penguins vs. Kings prediction and other NHL picks for Monday, January 20, continue reading.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Penguins +161 | Kings -185
• Spread: Penguins +1.5 (-165) | Kings -1.5 (+140)
• Total: Over/Under 5.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Los Angeles will win straight-up is 65%.

Pittsburgh vs Los Angeles Stats

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins have recently struggled, winning only two of their last 10 games. They started a seven-game road trip with a win against the Buffalo Sabres, but suffered a defeat against the Washington Capitals the following day. Bryan Rust scored for the Penguins in the loss, while goalie Joel Blomqvist allowed three goals on 31 shots. Alex Nedeljkovic is set to return to the crease after posting impressive stats earlier in the season. The team's defense has been lacking, ranking last in goals against and 16th in penalty-killing percentage. Pittsburgh scores an average of 3.00 goals per game and has a power ranking of 9. Overall, they are ranked 16 in offense, 32 in defense, and have a record of 19-21-8 this season.

Los Angeles Kings Analysis

The Los Angeles Kings recently completed a five-game road trip with a record of 2-3-0. Despite victories over the Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks, they faced losses against the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Seattle Kraken. In their most recent game against the Kraken, they outshot their opponents but ultimately fell short, with Jaden Schwartz scoring a hat trick for Seattle. Goalie Darcy Kuemper, who had a strong season so far, gave up three goals in this game. The Kings have a strong defensive record, allowing just 2.38 goals per game, and a solid offensive record, scoring an average of 3.00 goals per game. However, defenseman Drew Doughty is still out due to injury. The Kings have a power ranking of 14 and are ranked 17th for offense and 2nd for defense. Looking ahead, they will not have their season debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have a recent history of success against LA. For those looking to wager on hockey, it may be helpful to consult with reliable hockey handicappers for the best chances of winning.

Kings' Strong Home Performance and Defensive Prowess Suggests Advantage Over Penguins in Upcoming Matchup

The Kings have demonstrated formidable performance on their home ice in recent games, suggesting a strong probability of success against the Penguins during their upcoming matchup. Pittsburgh's defensive plays have been notably subpar, potentially impacting their ability to effectively counter the Kings' formidable first line. Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe have collectively amassed 34 goals and 50 assists in the current season, each contributing 42 points to the team. Regardless of David Rittich taking the starting position, I anticipate the Kings to outperform the puckline due to their exceptional defensive capabilities displayed throughout the season.

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