Los Angeles Kings vs Washington Capitals Prediction, 1/7/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Los Angeles Kings vs Washington Capitals

Date: Sunday, January 7, 2024

Location: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

TV: Monumental Sports Network

Odds/Point Spread: Kings (-130) Capitals (+108)

The Washington Capitals (18-13-6) will try to defeat the Los Angeles Kings (20-9-6) at Capital One Arena on Sunday. The moneyline on this game has the Kings at -130 while the Capitals are sitting at +108. The total has been set at 7.

The Los Angeles Kings had a decent effort after finishing in a 3-3 tie against the Red Wings in their previous contest . The Kings offense didn't overly impress in this game. In the matchup, they converted 3 out of the 43 shots they put on net. In addition, they had 2 power play opportunities but didn't convert them into a score. Los Angeles tallied 4 penalty mins in this game.

At even strength, the Kings have surrendered 69 goals while getting 96 on offense. Los Angeles Kings opponents have earned 110 power play opportunities (30th in the league) and have a total of 14 goals in those attempts. When it comes to their scoring capabilities, the Los Angeles Kings have accumulated 118 goals (16th in the National Hockey League) this season and have given up 83. Los Angeles has taken 1,197 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 9.9%. For the season, they have scored 46 points and their points percentage is .657. The Kings so far have had 937 shots taken against them and have earned a save percentage of .911. Los Angeles has tallied 119 power play chances and they have notched 22 goals out of those attempts, earning them a percentage of 18.49%.

The player guarding the cage in this matchup is Cam Talbot. Throughout his time in hockey, Talbot has accumulated 241 quality starts and his quality starts percentage sits at .551. His save percentage is at .914 in his 26,154 minutes on the ice. Talbot has seen 13,296 shots against him and has amassed 12,154 saves. Opponents have been able to score 1,142 goals versus Talbot in his pro career and his goals against average per contest is 2.62. He has accumulated a win-loss mark of 232-164-39 and he has started in 437 games. Talbot has taken the ice for 457 contests over the course of his NHL career.

In their last contest, Washington opposed the Hurricanes in a game where the Capitals took a loss by a tally of 6-2. They had 3 opportunities on the power play in this one and scored 1 out of those attempts. The Capitals scored 2 goals out of the 17 shots on goal they were seeking.

Washington has put up 1,020 shots (30th in the league) and has a shooting percentage of 8.53%, while allowing their opponents 1,148 shots. They have recorded a penalty kill percentage of 79.82% on their opponents 114 power play tries, and their save percentage is 90.4%. They have recorded 105 chances on the power play and they have accumulated a power play rate of 14.29%. The Capitals have scored 72 goals at even strength and 15 goals (29th in pro hockey) while having a power play advantage. They have permitted 110 goals to be scored by of a combination of 87 goals at even strength and 23 goals while they had less men on the ice. For the year, the Washington Capitals have 87 goals, 42 points, and a points percentage of .568.

For the opposition you will find Darcy Kuemper patrolling the crease. Kuemper has amassed a career mark of 174-130-45 and has participated in 376 games. Kuemper's percentage of quality starts is 54.9% and he has 196 quality starts in his career. He has recorded 9,820 saves out of 10,735 shots taken against him, which gives him a save percentage of .915. Opponents are averaging 2.58 goals/game and he has yielded 915 goals in total. He got the starting nod in 357 contests and has racked up 21,246 minutes.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take Los Angeles (-130)

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Additional Resources:
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