LA Kings vs Washington Capitals Prediction NHL Picks 12/22/24

In this article we will formulate an LA Kings vs Washington Capitals prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, December 22nd at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

LA Kings Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Kings are 19-9-5 this season after they lost to Nashville in overtime by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Los Angeles erased a 2-0 deficit in the third period, but they ended up losing in overtime. The Kings were outshot by a total of 26-24, won 47.8% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. LA got goals from Byfield and Laferriere, while Kuemper stopped 23 out of 26 shots in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Kings defeated the Flyers by a score of 7-3 but did lose to Pittsburgh in overtime before that. Los Angeles has scored 3.16 goals per game and they have allowed 2.53 goals against per game, while also going 15.1% on the power play and 82.2% on the penalty kill this season. Anze Kopitar has led Los Angeles with 10 goals, 27 assists, and 41 shots on goal, while David Rittich is 10-7-0 with a 2.49 goals against average and an .890 save percentage this year. The Kings will take on the Oilers following this one.

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals are 22-8-2 this year after they defeated Carolina by a score of 3-1 in their last game. Washington scored the first three goals in the game, but they did allow a goal in the third to ruin the shutout. The Capitals were outshot by a total of 25-22, won 44.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from McMichael, Protas, and Vrana, while Lindgren stopped 24 out of 25 shots in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Capitals lost to the Blackhawks by a score of 3-2 and the Stars by a score of 3-1. Washington has scored 3.78 goals per game and they have allowed 2.63 goals against per game, while also going 20.4% on the power play and 84.2% on the penalty kill this season. Dylan Strome has led Washington with 11 goals, 27 assists, and 55 shots on goal, while Logan Thompson is 12-2-2 with a 2.48 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage this year. 

Why the Capitals will beat the Kings 

• The Capitals have won five of their last six games against Pacific Division opponents.
• The Kings have lost each of their last three games at Capital One Arena after coming off overtime.
• The Capitals have covered the puck line in five of their last six games against Pacific Division opponents.
• The Kings have lost the third period in three of their last four games at Capital One Arena.

Total Goals Facts

• Seven of the Capitals’ last eight games as home favorites following a home win have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Ten of the Kings’ last 12 night games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Kings’ last six games after coming off overtime.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the last six games between the Kings and Capitals at Capital One Arena.

Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts

• Nic Dowd has scored a goal in each of his last three home appearances against former teams.
• Alex Ovechkin has recorded at least one assist in four of his last five home appearances after playing less than 20 minutes in the Capitals’ last game.
• Alex Ovechkin has recorded at least one point in 10 of his last 11 appearances.

Los Angeles Kings Player Prop Facts

• Phillip Danault has recorded at least one point in each of his last five appearances at Capital One Arena.
• Kevin Fiala has scored a goal in each of the Kings’ last three games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• Quinton Byfield has recorded an assist in each of the Kings’ last four games on the second leg of a back-to-back.

LA Kings vs Washington Capitals Prediction 

Los Angeles comes into this matchup after alternating wins and losses over their last six games, and they are coming off of an overtime loss on Saturday afternoon. The Kings are 9-7-4 on the road this year, while the Capitals are 10-4-2 at home. Washington has won five of their last seven games and they have allowed two goals or fewer in all five of those wins. Both of these teams have been very solid defensively this year, but the Kings are continuing on their long road trip and I don’t trust their scoring. Take the Capitals here.