We got a good one on our hand’s boys and girls. In their 2nd match up this year, the New York Rangers (28-14-2) will take on the Los Angeles Kings (21-13-8) in what should be a barn burner. LA took a whooping their 1st matchup, so we should see a more fired up team.
The Kings had a hot start to the season but have since cooled off. They are coming into this game on a 2-game losing streak and 1-5-4 in their last 10 games. The 4 OTL’s hurt because even though they got 1 point, they’re missed opportunities.
At home this year they are only 7-8-5, so they will have to come to play tonight vs the Rangers. One thing the Kings do well is play defense and they’re going to need to bring it.
LA ranks 3rd best in the league for goals allowed and shots on goal allowed per game. They also have the best penalty kill in the league, killing off 86.7% of the time. Staying out of the penalty box will be key because the Rangers are great on the power play.
On the offensive side, they have slipped on goals forced per game but are still 3rd best in the league for shots on goal per game. However, their poor shooting percentage hurts them a lot, only hitting 9% of their shots.
Goalie Cam Talbot has been having himself a year so far. He has a record of 14-11-5 with a 2.44 GAA and .915 save percentage. Talbot is expected to be in net tonight and will have his hands full.
Can the Rangers bounce back from a bad loss?
New York is coming into this game off a bad loss to the Vegas Golden Knight by a score of 5-1. They’re slipping a little, going 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, but they play well on the road with a record of 15-6-0.
The Rangers play a complete game on both sides of the ice. They rank in the top 10 for most offensive and defensive categories. On offense they’re averaging 3.25 goals scored and 31.3 shots on goal per game.
On defense, they know how to get the job done. They rank in the top 10 of the league for goals allowed, shots on goal allowed and penalty kill. New York does a decent job of staying out of the box as well.
It’s looking like Igor Shesterkin will be in net tonight for the Rangers. Last game, former King Jonathan Quick started for New York and had the 1 goal performance. Shesterkin is 18-11-0 so far this season and has a 2.84 GAA with a .904 save percentage.
Two good goalies in net tonight – let’s see where the lines are and get into some predictions.
Betting Odds
Puck Line
- New York Rangers +1.5 (-235)
- Los Angeles Kings -1.5 (+190)
Moneyline
- New York Rangers +105
- Los Angeles Kings -126
Totals
- Over 5.5 (-134)
- Under 5.5 (+110)
Odds courtesy of MyBookie
Game Information
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024
- Puck Drop: 10:30pm EST
- TV: KCAL, MSG, MSG 2
New York Rangers vs Los Angels Kings Prediction and Picks
Prediction and Pick: New York Rangers Moneyline (+105) MyBookie
Two things are showing heavy influence on these lines – home ice advantage and good goaltending. The books really think Talbot and Shesterkin will be on their toes tonight with the total at 5.5
This should be a great, competitive game, but some things are strange. The Kings have home ice, so they’re favored, but aren’t even good at home. And they’re playing a high caliber team that put up 4 on them last game.
It’s hard to not push the button when you see the Rangers at plus money. One of the top teams in the league who also plays well on the road. I will definitely be pushing that button tonight for the late-night tuck me in.
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