Predators vs Kings Prediction NHL Picks 1/18/24

Los Angeles Kings (21-12-8) vs Nashville Predators (24-19-1)

Game Info: Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 10:00 pm (Crypto.com Arena)

Betting Odds: Los Angeles Kings -204 / Nashville Predators +165 --- Over/Under: 6

The Nashville Predators and the Los Angeles Kings meet in NHL action from the Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night. Can Los Angeles right the ship back at home? Or will Nashville add to Los Angeles’ struggles? Let’s dive in and find out with our Predators vs. Kings Prediction.

Nashville Predators Team Preview

The Nashville Predators come into this one looking to bounce back from a 4-1 loss to Vegas in their last matchup. Filip Forsberg leads the Predators in scoring with 48 points including a team-high 22 goals and 26 assists while Ryan O’Reilly has 38 points with 16 goals of his own and 22 assists. Gustav Nyquist has 34 points with 23 assists while Roman Josi has 37 points of his own with a team-leading 29 assists. Juuse Saros has made 34 starts in goal for Nashville this season, going 17-16-1 with a 3.02 GAA and a .900 save percentage while Kevin Lankinen is 6-3 with a 3.12 GAA and an .898 save percentage this season.

Nashville Predators Team Facts

• The underdogs have won five of the Predators' last six games.
• The Predators have covered the puck line in each of their last eight night games at Crypto.com Arena following a road loss.
• The 'Over 1.5 Goals Period 1' market has hit in each of the Predators' last five games at Crypto.com Arena.
• The Predators have won the third period in each of their last four night games.

Los Angeles Kings Team Preview

The Los Angeles Kings come into this one looking to bounce back from a 5-1 loss to Dallas in their last matchup. Anze Kopitar leads the Kings in scoring with 39 points including 14 goals and 25 assists while Kevin Fiala has 37 points with a team-high 27 assists. Adrian Kempe has 38 points as well with 15 goals and 23 assists while Trevor Moore has 31 points with a team-high 20 goals. Quinton Byfield also has 30 points with 12 goals and 18 assists. Cam Talbot has posted a 14-11-5 mark in goal for the Kings this season with a 2.44 GAA and a .915 save percentage while David Rittich is 3-0-1 with a 1.61 GAA and a .932 save percentage as well this season.

Los Angeles Kings Team Facts

• The Kings have lost each of their last six games as favorites.
• The Kings have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six games as favorites.
• The Kings have won the first period in six of their last seven games as home favorites following a road loss.
• The 'Over 1.5 Goals Period 2' market has hit in each of the Kings' last eight games as favorites.

Predators vs. Kings Prediction

I’m siding with the Predators here. The Kings have yet to show me that they’re back on track and one win in the middle of a bunch of losses doesn’t move the needle for me. The San Jose Sharks have done the same thing and they’re still one of the worst teams in hockey. I need to see something consistent from the Kings before I back them, especially at a price like this. Give me the Preds and the plus money.

The pick in this article is the opinion of the writer, not a PickDawgz site consensus.