The Nashville Predators (4-6-1) are hosting the LA Kings (6-3-3) tonight in a Monday night NHL clash at Bridgestone Arena.
Game Info: Monday, November 4, 2024, 8:00 PM ET at Bridgestone Arena
Betting Odds: Nashville Predators -140 / LA Kings +120 — Over/Under: 6.5
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Both teams are coming off some relatively mixed results, with Nashville dominating with a decisive win over Colorado, while LA suffered a frustrating shootout loss to Chicago.
So, which way does this game go? We’ve got a prediction for you!
The LA Kings, sitting at a decent 6-3-3, have shown a few streaks of dominance but also some weaknesses. This is more so in recent games.
They led twice against Chicago in their last outing, only to give up a tying goal in the final minute of regulation and eventually lose 4-3 in a shootout.
Despite the outcome of that game, the Kings played fairly aggressively, outshooting Chicago 40-21 and winning a hefty 65.5% of face-offs. Shots and faceoffs win games, but that doesn’t help them in shootouts.
Offensively, LA has been fairly reliable, averaging 3.25 goals per game this season. They have a balanced attack led by Anze Kopitar (4 goals, 9 assists). Meanwhile, rookie Alex Laferriere has stepped up in a big way, scoring 2 times against Chicago and keeping a 3-game goal streak against Western Conference teams. So, overall, not too bad.
In goal, Darcy Kuemper has managed a mixed record of 3-0-3 with a 3.11 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage, which has seen some fluctuation. Obviously, if teams can get the Kings past regulation, they stand a better chance against Kuemper.
The Kings’ defensive play remains inconsistent for the most part, allowing 3.25 goals per game and sitting with an unimpressive 77.1% PK. They’ll need to tighten up their defensive coverage in penalty-killing situations, especially against Nashville’s improved power-play unit.
Nashville comes into this game with a 4-6-1 record. They’re looking to build on a high-energy 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche which they absolutely dominated.
The Predators rallied after trailing early, showing solid offensive depth as Filip Forsberg, Gustav Nyquist, and Roman Josi each found the back of the net throughout the game.
Nashville’s offense has been gradually improving over their 11 games, now averaging 2.64 goals per game, and has shown some decent strength on special teams with a 23.7% success rate on the power play and a stellar 91.2% penalty kill. This is where they excel and will use this to their advantage against the Kings.
Defensively, Juuse Saros has been a solid presence in the net. He boasts a 2.92 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.
He made 28 saves against Colorado, showing off his capacity to withstand high-shot volumes.
While Nashville has struggled at home with a 3-5-0 record, their recent form against the Kings — winning 7 of their last 10 head-to-head — tells us they have confidence playing against LA’s roster.
With both teams showing some offensive promise but defensive gaps, this game leans toward a high-scoring game, making the over on the 6.5 total goals a really nice pick.
The Kings and Predators each have recent trends with higher scores in these types of matchups, with Nashville's last few games against Pacific Division opponents almost always hitting the over. On top of that, the first period often sees quick action, with both teams trending toward over 1.5 goals in the opening period. That’s a game-prop bet you might want to take up.
As for the winner, the Predators' recent success against the Kings — along with the Kings’ struggles in close, high-pressure moments — makes Nashville a solid pick for tonight’s NHL action.
Despite their few inconsistencies, Nashville’s offense has found rhythm recently, and with Saros in the net, they can capitalize on the Kings’ defensive lapses.
BettorsInsider Pick: Nashville Predators to win (-140)
Total Goals Bet: Over 6.5 Goals