Columbus Blue Jackets vs Los Angeles Kings: Game Preview
Columbus Blue Jackets Analysis
Team Performance
The Columbus Blue Jackets enter this game with a 17-26-10 record, winning their last game 4-3 against the San Jose Sharks.
Offensive and Defensive Stats
They are scoring an average of 2.92 goals per game while conceding 3.70 goals per game. Their power play success rate stands at 14.4%, with a penalty kill rate of 76.1%.
Key Players
Johnny Gaudreau leads the team in points with 37, including 7 goals and 30 assists. Zach Werenski has also been instrumental with 31 points in 41 games.
Goaltending
Elvis Merzlikins holds a 10-11-7 record with a save percentage of .904 and a goals-against average of 3.21.
Injury Report
Patrik Laine and Adam Fantilli are unavailable due to injuries.
Los Angeles Kings Analysis
Team Performance
The Los Angeles Kings boast a 27-16-10 record, winning their last game 2-1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Offensive and Defensive Stats
They are scoring an average of 3.09 goals per game while allowing 2.64 goals per game. Their power play success rate is 21.2%, and their penalty kill rate is 86.5%.
Key Players
Adrian Kempe leads the Kings with 47 points, followed closely by Anze Kopitar with 45 points.
Goaltending
Cam Talbot has a 15-13-5 record with a .911 save percentage and a 2.58 goals-against average.
Injury Report
Pheonix Copley, Carl Grundstrom, and Blake Lizotte are sidelined due to injuries.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Los Angeles Kings: Lines
Columbus Blue Jackets Lines
Forwards
- Johnny Gaudreau
- Boone Jenner
- Jack Roslovic
- Yegor Chinakhov
Defensemen
- Zach Werenski
- Adam Boqvist
- Ivan Provorov
Goalies
- Elvis Merzlikins
- Daniil Tarasov
Los Angeles Kings Lines
Forwards
- Trevor Moore
- Anze Kopitar
- Adrian Kempe
- Kevin Fiala
Defensemen
- Mikey Anderson
- Drew Doughty
- Vladislav Gavrikov
Goalies
- Cam Talbot
- David Rittich
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Los Angeles Kings: Odds & Prediction
The Kings are the favorites with odds of -255, while the Blue Jackets are the underdogs with odds of +205. According to the moneyline odds, there’s a 71.8% probability for Los Angeles to win this game.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Los Angeles Kings: Betting Tips
- Tip 1: Kings to win (-255)
- Tip 2: Game to have over four goals – Yes
- Tip 3: Adrian Kempe to score – Yes
Tonight’s Matchup
The LA Kings are back on home soil, beginning a three-game homestand against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Head-to-Head
Forward Phillip Danault led the Kings with two goals when these two teams met in December. Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov collected two assists.
Kings Vitals
The Kings held a full-team morning skate today in El Segundo, following yesterday’s off day. Goaltender Cam Talbot is expected to start.
Blue Jackets Vitals
Columbus began their annual California swing on Saturday with a 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Elvis Merzlikins is expected to start in goal.
Home-Cooked Meal
The Kings have struggled at home this season but are looking to capitalize on their upcoming homestand.
Quick Hitters
- Viktor Arvidsson has made an impact since returning from injury.
- Cam Talbot will start in goal for the Kings.
- Blake Lizotte is nearing a return from injury.
Betting Opportunities
Bet365 is offering a $150 bonus bet for new users placing their first bet of $5 or more on the Blue Jackets vs. Kings game.
Conclusion
With the Kings favored to win, tonight’s game promises to be an exciting matchup. Whether you’re rooting for the Kings or the Blue Jackets, there are plenty of betting opportunities to add to the excitement of the game.