Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 21st 2024

Preview and Prediction

The Los Angeles Kings aim to maintain their winning streak as they face off against the Nashville Predators on Saturday.

The Kings enter the game with a record of 9-2-1 in their last 12 games, including a six-game winning streak from November 27th to December 10th. They have also been performing well on their current seven-game road trip, with a record of 3-1-1. Their trip will conclude on Sunday against the Washington Capitals.

In their most recent game, the Kings defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 7-3 on Thursday. They were down by a goal in the second period, but captain Anze Kopitar tied the game with only 44 seconds remaining. The team then went on to score four goals in the third period.

Head coach Jim Hiller praised his team's performance, saying, "I thought we played our game in the third period. I'm really proud of the guys for coming out strong and playing our style of hockey."

Kopitar, who had two goals in the game against the Flyers, has been on fire lately with five points in his last three games. The 37-year-old leads the team with 37 points and is on track to surpass his career-high of 92 points from the 2017-2018 season.

Hiller also commended Kopitar's ability to lead the team and contribute offensively at his age, saying, "To be his age and to be playing against the other team's top players every night, while also making an offensive impact and leading the team, that's incredibly difficult to do."

The Kings have been dominant on both ends of the ice during their recent winning streak, outscoring their opponents 40-23. They have only allowed more than three goals once and have held their opponents to two goals or fewer in eight of their last 12 games.

On the other hand, the Predators will be looking to bounce back after a 5-4 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.

Defenseman Brady Skjei praised the team's effort in the game, saying, "Our effort is never in question. We did some good things, but it's disappointing not to get the two points."

Nashville has a record of 2-1-1 in their last four games after an eight-game losing streak. They have scored at least four goals in three of those games.

Center Steven Stamkos also noted the team's improved connection and comfort level, saying, "We're starting to get comfortable. It's nice to see some pucks go in the net finally, but we still have some areas to clean up."

Stamkos had a slow start to the season with only one goal in his first 10 games, but has since scored eight goals in 23 games. He currently shares the team lead of nine goals with Filip Forsberg and fellow free-agent acquisition Jonathan Marchessault.

PREDICTION

Los Angeles Kings

3

2

Nashville Predators

Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators Recap NOV 4TH 2024