Los Angeles Kings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction, Preview, and Odds

The Los Angeles Kings (14-4-3) came into 2023-24 expecting another deep playoff run in the wide-open Western Conference, and through two months, they've been one of the best teams in the entire NHL, and now, they've got the chance to beat up on one of the leagues weakest teams as they look to chase down Vancouver and Vegas in the Pacific Division.

Welcoming them in this one will be the Columbus Blue Jackets (8-14-4), who have been a developing team for several years now, but with their top stars not producing, unless things turn around in a hurry, it appears we could be witnessing yet another wasted season of hockey in Ohio.

Can the Kings build off their red-hot form as of late?

The Los Angeles Kings started the 2023-24 season solid without being spectacular, but with a 6-1-0 record in their past seven games, they've pushed for third place in the stacked Pacific Division with a season record of 14-4-3. On the road, this team has somehow been even better than at home, posting a perfect 9-0-0 record to this point, and with a +33 goal differential on the season, if they can add a piece or two at the trade deadline, there's no reason why they can't make a Stanley Cup Finals push.

The Kings are led this season by four veterans having over 20 points, but it's Quinten Byfield's 18 points in 21 games that's been a major story for this forward group, as has the resurgence of Cam Talbot, who's been unstoppable in net this season, posting a 1.96 GAA and a .930 save percentage in 16 starts. Their last time out was a huge win over the tough Colorado Avalanche, with two goals to Byfield and a stellar night in net from Talbot, stopping 20 of 21 shots that led them to the much needed 4-1 victory.

Can the Blue Jackets find consistent form?

The Columbus Blue Jackets have made some huge additions in recent years, but despite all of their attempts, they still haven't found their best form, posting an 8-14-4 record thus far on the season, good for last place in the Metropolitan Division, just two points ahead of Ottawa for last place in the entire Eastern Conference. While they may be 4-3-0 in their past seven games, the Blue Jackets dropped an astounding nine straight games before that, and with a record under .500 at home this season (6-7-1) as well as a -13 goal differential, this season isn't panning out how they would have hoped.

Columbus are led by eight players in double digits, but without a dependable, dynamic line, it's clear that this team doesn't have what it takes to be a consistent threat, despite goaltending being solid, posting a 3.35 GAA and a .908 save percentage. Their last time out was a competitive loss to the Boston Bruins, with the lone goal to Boone Jenner and a solid night in net from Spencer Martin, saving 25 of 28 shots that came his way not enough to steer them to victory, falling 3-1 on the road against a tough opponent.

Best Bets

Full-Game Side Bet

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Unsurprisingly, given the Kings sustained success over the past decade, it's easy to see why they've got a major advantage in this matchup, with a 6-4 record in their past 10 head-to-head meetings, while being 3-1 in their four meetings since 2022 with a combined score of 15-11 in those matchups.

On the road this season, the Kings have been perfect, posting a 9-0-0 record, boasting a goal differential of +27 in those games, and despite the Blue Jackets' improvements as of late, they are still under .500 at home this season and should be easy pickings for the high-flying Kings.

Take the Kings with the puck line.

Prediction: Los Angeles -1.5

Full-Game Total Pick

Rating:

While both of these teams have seen some dynamic offensive performances as of late, they live and die by the success of their goaltending, with both teams boasting a save percentage of over .900 this season (.916 vs. .908), as well as the under is 6-2 in their past eight meetings.

For the Kings, the under is 8-1-1 in their past 10 overall games, while the under is 6-3-1 for Columbus over that time, and while there's always a chance we could see plenty of goals scored, with the quality in net of both these teams, it's unlikely that both sides will prosper offensively.

Keep it simple, take the under.