In recent weeks, the Los Angeles Kings have gained excellent form and confidently climbed to fifth place in their conference. Despite a few rough patches earlier in the season, Jim Hiller’s team now looks like one of the most dangerous opponents. This year, the Kings have overtaken Edmonton in the Pacific Division standings, earning 87 points in 69 games. Notably, they are continuing to build momentum and may catch up to Vegas, who are currently 5 points ahead. In March, the Kings showed excellent results, winning 8 out of 9 games, with only one loss — against Minnesota (1:3).
The team’s offense is in great shape: in the last three games, Los Angeles scored 17 goals, and their attack has been simply dismantling the opponents’ defenses. The team leader, Adrian Kempe, continues to deliver outstanding results, accumulating 58 points (29+29) and showing excellent play in every game. Key players like Anze Kopitar and Kempe are determined and look ready to decide the outcome of matches.
Strengths:
• Excellent offensive play with high-scoring games in recent rounds.
• Reliable defense, limiting opponents to an average of 25 shots per game.
• Ability to block shots (15 blocks on average per game).
• Key players: Adrian Kempe, Anze Kopitar.
The Rangers started the season strong, but in recent weeks their form has been disappointing. Currently, the team from New York is sitting in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. While they began to improve at the start of the year, March has been particularly tough for them — they’ve won only 3 out of their last 10 games. The Rangers’ defense has been underperforming, allowing 3 goals on average per game. Even though Igor Shesterkin is undoubtedly one of the best goaltenders in the league, his current form raises concerns, with a save percentage of only 90.68% this season.
However, the Rangers still have some strengths. They boast a solid faceoff win percentage (53.3%), which gives them an edge in puck possession. Shesterkin, despite his struggles, remains a reliable goaltender with five shutouts this season. But due to their defensive struggles, the Rangers will need a more significant contribution from their defenders to stay competitive.
Strengths:
• Strong faceoff win percentage of 53.3%.
• Igor Shesterkin — one of the top goaltenders with five shutouts this season.
• Key offensive players like Panarin and Zibanejad can still turn the game around.
Unavailable Players:
All key players for the Kings are in the lineup, giving them a significant advantage.
The Rangers will be without Adam Edstrom and Arthur Kaliyev, which weakens their lineup.
Los Angeles has been much more stable and confident in recent weeks compared to the Rangers. The team from Los Angeles is showing excellent form both offensively and defensively, while the Rangers have experienced a dip, especially in defense. Although Igor Shesterkin can save the day for his team in critical moments, the defensive issues and the absence of a couple of players will hinder the Rangers. Los Angeles is in such great form right now that even with strong resistance from the Rangers, they are the favorites in this match.
Prediction: Los Angeles Wins. Expected result: 4-2 or 5-3 in their favor.
Match Prediction: Los Angeles is in great shape and continues to gain momentum, improving its position in the conference table. While the Rangers have not demonstrated confident play in recent matches, especially on the road, the Kings show better hockey on home ice. Given the current form and powerful attacking play, Los Angeles can deservedly win in regulation time. Prediction: Los Angeles wins with a score of 4:2 or 5:3.
Place your bets with odds of 1.98
