Welcome back to this Black Friday edition of NHL Predictions at Last Word on Hockey! Each game day, we take a look at exciting matches in the NHL, providing key factors, analysis and predictions. In today’s prediction, we’ll be analyzing this Southern California rivalry between the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks. Be sure to check NHL Predictions to read all our predictions throughout the season!
NHL Predictions: Los Angeles Kings at Anaheim Ducks
Time: 3:30 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: ESPN+, Fan Duel Sports Network West, Victory+
The Freeway Face-off between the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Duck continues in a Black Friday matinee at the Honda Center. Los Angeles will look to build on a strong rebound performance against the Winnipeg Jets. On the other hand, the Ducks are also coming off a big win against the Seattle Kraken that moves their record to 9-9-3.
Head to Head
This will be the second game of the season between the California rivals. The last game also took place in Anaheim, and was taken by Los Angeles by a convincing score of 4-1. Despite the recent success of the Kings in this rivalry due to the rebuilding process of the Ducks, the all-time record remains close. The Kings have 78 wins in the all time series and the Ducks have 75, a testament to the fierce rivalry here.
Los Angeles Looks for Consistency
After an embarrassing loss to the San Jose Sharks on Monday, the Kings rebounded and outplayed the league-best Winnipeg Jets. The Kings continue to have a season full of ups and downs like this, making them hard to define as contenders. Los Angeles will look to build on Wednesday’s win as they strive for a more consistent effort.
In addition to consistency, this game presents an opportunity for Los Angeles to improve themselves against divisional rivals. The Kings have struggled against Pacific Division teams this year, going 3-4-0. They’ll need to improve against their own division in order to solidify themselves in the standings.
Finally, look closely for who gets the nod to start in net for the Kings. The Kings will be playing back-to-back on Friday and Saturday, so it is almost certain that fans will get to see Erik Portillo get his first NHL start in one of those games. It has not been announced whether Friday will be the day, but the Kings top goalie prospect may start between the pipes. The Swedish goaltender provides a large presence in goal, standing 6’6″. He was drafted 67th overall in 2019, and played his first professional season for the Ontario Reign of the AHL last year. The University of Michigan alumnus posted a 24-11-3 record with 2.50 GAA and .918 Sv% in his first AHL season.
Anaheim Looks to End Week on High Note
The Ducks will look to incorporate a physical edge to their skill game, which is not unusual when these teams meet. Trevor Zegras and Frank Vatrano love to stir it up against the Kings, and try to get under their opponent’s skin. New Captain Radko Gudas is a physical presence and heavy hitter. On the offensive side, Troy Terry leads the team in goals, assists, and points. The Ducks boast a roster of talented young players.
The Ducks suffered a scary moment during Monday’s loss to the Seattle Kraken. Leo Carlsson, one of the team’s most promising talents, received a dangerous hit from Kraken forward Tye Kartye with under five minutes left in the second period. The check caused Carlsson to hit the goal post in his own end at full speed. He did not return to the game, did not play Wednesday, and is questionable for Friday. Carlsson has contributed 6 goals and 5 assists this season, his second in the NHL.
At goaltender, the Ducks could either start their long time goalie John Gibson or the young Lukas Dostal. Gibson missed the first month of the season due to recovery from an appendectomy. His record this year has been 4-0-1 with a 2.57 GAA and .925 Sv%. His counterpart in net, Dostal, has gone 5-7-2 with a 2.72 GAA and .922 SV%.
Prop Bets
Adrian Kempe has had great success against the Ducks in his career. In 34 games, he has 30 points, including 16 goals. Kempe has been heating up as of late for the Kings. In his past 5 games, he scored 4 goals and 3 assists. Look for the Swedish forward to stay hot in this game. Bet365.com has Kempe at +260 to score 2 points. Fanduel Sportsbook has Kempe at +170 to score over 0.5 goals. With Kempe’s recent success and his record against the Ducks, these seem like manageable numbers for him.
NHL Predictions
Despite their struggles against Pacific Division teams, the Kings should be the favorites against their Southern California rivals. To capitalize, they’ll need to play a full sixty minute effort and support their goalie defensively to have success. In the end, Los Angeles should take home the win.
Prediction: Kings win 4-3.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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