Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Los Angeles Kings taking on the Carolina Hurricanes. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Los Angeles Kings vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Kings 0-1 Hurricanes
How to Watch: US TV: Fan Duel Sports West, Fan Duel Sports South; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sports
Time: 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our main game of this round of NHL predictions has the Los Angeles Kings visiting the Carolina Hurricanes. This is the final regular season meeting between the two sides, with the Canes topping the Kings, 4-3, in October.
Both teams have been playing well heading into this Sunday afternoon matchup. However, the Hurricanes are a bit more secure in their Stanley Cup Playoff place and the Kings have work to do to get back into the mix.
Each club also played on Saturday night with the Kings beating the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime and Carolina suffered a 4-3 overtime loss against the Washington Capitals.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines going into this interconference matchup in this edition of NHL predictions.
The Kings Story
Los Angeles is coming into this game with a 5-2-3 record in its previous 10 games. The Kings have won four of their last five games entering this matchup, including the OT win over the Flyers on Saturday. Quinton Byfield helped the Kings scratch out a 3-2 win over the hosts.
Anton Forsberg is the expected starter for the Kings, as he’ll likely get the start against one of this former teams. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Forsberg is 9-6-4 with a .910 save percentage and 2.35 goals-against average. He’s been steady when spelling Darcy Kuemper in between the pipes.
Adrian Kempe leads the team in goals (20), assists (24), and points (44) for Los Angeles. Kempe recently took the goalscoring lead from Kevin Fiala, who has 18 so far this campaign.
The Hurricanes Story
Carolina is trying to piece things together after an overtime defeat to Washington. The Canes raced out to a 2-0 lead, but the OT-winner from Justin Sourdif condemned the Hurricanes to defeat. Despite this, Carolina is 6-1-3 in its last 10 games.
Brandon Bussi is the projected starter after Frederik Andersen got the call against the Capitals. Bussi has been a revelation after being claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers. The pending unrestricted free agent goalie has already hit the 20-win mark and has filled in nicely for the injured Pyotr Kochetkov.
Sebastian Aho leads the team in assists (35) and points (53). However, Seth Jarvis is tops on the team in goals with 23 so far this campaign.
Prediction
Both teams are coming off tough games the day before. Los Angeles got dragged to overtime by Philadelphia while Carolina had to deal with an old rival in Washington in an overtime loss.
Despite the loss, Carolina should get the win due to having more offensive firepower. Los Angeles has been inconsistent at times this season.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Kings versus the Hurricanes is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props go with Kempe to get at least an assist in this game for Los Angeles. On the Carolina side of things, take Jarvis to net an anytime goal.
Main photo by: James Guillory-Imagn Images
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