Kings and Ducks in Third-Place Tussle

The Pacific Division is a very tight race, especially in the middle of the pack and this Kings vs Ducks game. There are currently three teams tied at 59 points. 

The Kings have won four of their last five to help themselves climb the ladder. In their most recent victory against Arizona, they were able to score three goals in the third period to give them the 5-3 victory.

The Ducks are on a two-game winning streak. Prior to this streak, Anaheim had lost four games in a row and was outscored 19-9 in four games.

Several sportsbooks have the Kings as the moneyline favorite, which does not make sense. In the first meeting between Kings vs Ducks, the Kings did win, but it took a shootout to get the victory.

The Kings are 2-1 since returning from the All-Star break. They find themselves in the mix for a playoff spot, which has to be the driving factor for the rest of the season.

Los Angeles’ offense is right around league average, scoring 2.9 goals per game. In their last five games, however, they are averaging 4.0 goals per game. 

The Kings’ injury report is also looking better and better. There are only three names left on the list, all of which have been on the list for a month or more. 

Anze Kopitar has been the offensive leader for the Kings. He is leading the team with 47 total points, scoring 14 goals, and assisting on 37 others.

Adrian Kempe is the next closest on the list, with 33 total points. He has scored 23 goals and assisted on ten others.

Cal Petersen and Jonathan Quick have split starts at goaltender for the Kings. Neither has been extremely better than the other, so they both get the work in. 

Petersen has a record of 12-7-1 and is giving up 2.71 goals per game. Quick has a record of 13-10-4 and is giving up 2.61 goals per game.

The Ducks got a big win in their last game against the San Jose Sharks.

While a shootout was needed to determine a winner, the Ducks were able to score on two of three chances to get the victory.

The Ducks’ offense is right at league average for goals scored per game at 2.94. In their last five games, they are at 3.8. 

Troy Terry is currently leading the team in total points at 44. He has scored 26 goals and added 18 assists to get him to 44 points.

Trevor Zegras is right behind him with 39 points, scoring 13 goals and assisting on 26 others. The Ducks have nine other players who are at 20 points or more.

John Gibson is the main goaltender for the Ducks. He has a record of 16-13-4 and is giving up 2.77 goals per game.

The Kings have been solid on the road, with a 13-6-5 record for away games. The Ducks have also been better at home; with a 14-8-4 record, there is no real advantage for location on this Kings vs Ducks game.

The goaltenders are rather similar as well. It is going to come down to skill players in this game.

Kopitar will be the best player on the ice for either team, and if he can get it going early, the Kings should win this one.

When making your NHL picks, take the Los Angeles Kings moneyline.