LA Kings vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction NHL Picks 12/17/24

In this article we will formulate an LA Kings vs Pittsburgh Penguins prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, December 17th at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

LA Kings Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Kings are 18-9-3 this season after they defeated the Rangers by a score of 5-1 in their last game. Los Angeles scored the first five goals in the game and coasted to the win in the third. The Kings recorded 32 shots on goal, won 37.3% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Los Angeles got goals from Byfield, Danault, Foegele, Kempe, and Turcotte, while Kuemper stopped 31 out of 32 shots in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Kings lost to New Jersey by a score of 3-1 but did win the previous six games. Los Angeles has scored 3.07 goals per game and they have allowed 2.50 goals against per game, while also going 15.9% on the power play and 81.3% on the penalty kill this season. Anze Kopitar has led LA with eight goals, 26 assists, and 37 shots on goal, while David Rittich is 10-7-0 with a 2.49 goals against average and an .890 save percentage this year. 

Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins are 13-14-5 this year after they lost to Ottawa in overtime by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Pittsburgh tied the game at two late in the third period, but they couldn’t find the winner in regulation or overtime. The Penguins were outshot by a total of 31-27, won 54% of the face-offs, and went 0-0 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh got goals from Lizotte and Letang, while Jarry stopped 28 out of 31 shots in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Penguins defeated Montreal by a score of 9-2 but did lose to Colorado by a score of 6-2 before that. Pittsburgh has scored 3.00 goals per game and they have allowed 3.72 goals against per game, while also going 23.1% on the power play and 81.7% on the penalty kill this season. Sidney Crosby has led Pittsburgh with eight goals, 22 assists, and 96 shots on goal, while Tristan Jarry is 6-4-2 with a 3.59 goals against average and an .885 save percentage this year. 

Why the Kings will beat the Penguins

• The Penguins have lost eight of their last nine night games after coming off overtime.
• The Kings have won seven of their last eight games.
• The Kings have covered the puck line in each of their last five games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last 10 games after coming off overtime.
• The Penguins have lost the second period in three of their last four games as home underdogs after coming off overtime.

Total Goals Facts

• Seven of the Kings’ last eight games as road favorites following a road win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Seven of the Penguins’ last eight games after coming off overtime have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last nine games at PPG Paints Arena.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in nine of the Kings’ last 10 games following a road win.

Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts

• Kris Letang has scored a goal in three of the Penguins’ last four games.
• Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one point in eight of the Penguins’ last nine games against Pacific Division opponents at PPG Paints Arena.
• Drew O’Connor has recorded at least one assist in four of the Penguins’ last five home games against Pacific Division opponents.

Los Angeles Kings Player Prop Facts

• Adrian Kempe has scored a goal in each of the Kings’ last three games as favorites.
• Trevor Moore has recorded at least one point in each of the Kings’ last six games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Drew Doughty has recorded an assist in each of his last four appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.

LA Kings vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction 

Pittsburgh comes into this matchup after alternating wins and losses over their last six games, but they have won six of their last nine. The Penguins are 8-7-2 at home this year, while the Kings are 8-7-2 on the road. Los Angeles has won seven of their last eight and they have allowed two goals or fewer in all seven of those victories. The Kings are playing at a very high level right now and their defense has been elite. I do think Pittsburgh is headed in the right direction, but I can’t go against this LA team right now. Back the Kings on the road.