Los Angeles Kings @ Nashville Predators - December 21, 2024

What a night it’s going to be at Bridgestone Arena, folks! The Los Angeles Kings are rolling into town to take on our beloved Nashville Predators, and let me tell you, the energy is going to be electric. We may be a little battered and bruised this season with our record sitting at 9-17-7, but that doesn’t mean we don’t bleed gold and blue with all our hearts!

Now, looking at the numbers, it’s easy to see why oddsmakers have pegged the Kings as -152 favorites. They come in with a solid record of 19-9-4 and have been impressive lately, boasting an 8-2 SU record over their last ten games. Meanwhile, us Preds? Well, let’s just say we’ve been struggling mightily—just 2 wins out of our last 12 games isn’t going to cut it for this fan base that demands excellence.

The Kings can put up goals; averaging about 3.0 per game thanks to an effective shooting percentage of over 11%. Meanwhile, we’re sputtering along at just 2.3 goals per game. Ouch! Combine that with their ability to save shots—89.8%—and I feel like we might need a miracle tonight.

Now I know what you’re thinking: “But hey! Anything can happen in hockey!” And you’re absolutely right! That’s why I’ll be rocking my lucky jersey and yelling my heart out from the stands! But facts are facts: Our offense has averaged a dismal 29.4 shots per game with a sad shooting percentage of just over 8%. Let’s face it; if we don’t get more creative on offense or start finding some finishing touch on those shots, tonight could spell trouble.

On special teams, both squads seem pretty mediocre at best; we struggle mightily on power plays (averaging just half a goal), while the Kings are also hovering around similar numbers. A lackluster power play percentage for both teams means it’s probably not going to factor too heavily into tonight’s outcome.

In terms of trends heading into this matchup, one thing stands out: the total score has gone under in five of the last seven games for LA and has similarly trended under for Nashville’s recent outings as well—the UNDER seems likely here given our offensive struggles coupled with decent goaltending from both sides.

So here’s how I see this playing out: The Kings are simply too strong right now—we’re going to see them leave Bridgestone Arena victorious again tonight. I’m predicting they cover the spread easily while our team continues fighting but falls short yet again in terms of overall production. Expect a low-scoring affair; I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up being another battle where we finish below five total goals combined.

Let’s rally behind our boys regardless—they need every ounce of support tonight! Go Preds!