Florida Panthers vs Los Angeles Kings Prediction and Prop Bets

The Florida Panthers and Los Angeles Kings are set for a massive showdown tonight at the Crypto.com Arena. With both teams coming off with mixed results lately, this game could swing either way, but there’s no denying that these teams are serious playoff contenders.

Odds and Key Insights

The Los Angeles Kings are heading into tonight as slight favorites at -115 on the moneyline. The Florida Panthers aren’t that far behind at -105, which just goes to show how close this game might be.

On top of that, the total goals over/under is set at 5.5 which confirms our thoughts that this might be a tightly contested battle.

Kings‘ Are Good, But Not Dominant

The Kings are 6-4-0 in their last 10 games but are coming off a crushing 5-1 loss to Pittsburgh. 

Offensively, we think they’ve cooled off recently as they’ve scored 1.3 fewer goals per game over their last 10 compared to their overall season average. That said, their defensive stats still remain fairly solid as they’re anchored by Darcy Kuemper, who boasts an insane .920 save percentage and a strong 2.10 goals-against average. He’s easily one of the best netminders in the NHL.

Key players like Anze Kopitar and his 31 assists and Adrian Kempe with his 20 goals will need to increase their production to regain momentum, especially given that the Kings’ power play ranks 28th in the league at a dismal 16.5%.

For the most part of the season, the Kings have been great. They’ve cooled off quite a bit lately and will definitely need their offense to produce some pressure if they want to have a chance against the Panthers.

Panthers’ Offense Is Hot

Florida is 5-4-1 in its last 10 games and enters this matchup fresh off an impressive 5-2 win over Anaheim.

Their offense has been clicking as of late as they’re averaging 6.6 combined goals in recent games.

Sam Reinhart who has 28 goals continues to lead the charge for the Panther’s offense, and Aleksander Barkov has been steady at playmaking with his 28 assists. Despite this overpowering offense, Florida’s defense has been a bit shaky, ranking 18th in goals against this season.

The Panthers’ goaltending is another concern. Sergei Bobrovsky holds a .897 save percentage, which doesn’t feel like he’s playing like himself. He ranks far below elite NHL standards.

Despite these challenges, their offense is their lifeline for tonight’s game with a 7th-ranked power play unit at 23.9%.

Where the Game Will Be Decided

This matchup really pits Florida’s high-scoring offense against the Kings’ disciplined defense.

While the Panthers tend to excel in creating scoring chances, their defensive lapses, and 31st-ranked PIM is what we think could prove costly against a Kings team that thrives on structure and discipline.

On the other end of the ice, the Kings’ inability to capitalize on the power play just might limit their ability to fully exploit Florida’s few weaknesses. If the Panthers can stay out of the box, they do have the firepower to overwhelm a Kings team that struggles in shootouts.

It’ll be a close game, but it feels like it will come down to the special teams.

Prediction and Best Bet

This game comes down to consistency and discipline.

The Kings’ defense, backed by Kuemper, should be able to contain the Panthers’ explosive forwards from racking up shots on goal. Florida’s struggles in their own zone and Bobrovsky’s inconsistency will most likely leave them exposed against a Kings team looking to bounce back at home.

• Best Bet: Kings on the moneyline (-115)
• HelloRookie’s Prediction: Kings 3, Panthers 1

With a steady defensive unit and home-ice advantage, they’re better positioned to grind out a victory with some grit in what should be a close, low-scoring game that will be a blast to watch — and bet on.

For those looking at the totals, the under 5.5 goals is another strong bet given both teams’ recent scoring trends and the Kings’ defensive focus. As we mentioned, it’ll be a grueling matchup as each team strives for any goals they can get.

We are expecting a gritty battle as both teams fight to solidify their playoff positions. The Kings should come out on top in a 3-1 win which will most likely be won during special teams.

Prop Bets for Panthers vs. Kings

Of course, if you’re looking to add more excitement to tonight’s game, prop bets are the way to go. Here are 3 highly intriguing prop bets we found that you might like.

1. Aleksander Barkov Over 0.5 Assists (+110). Florida’s Barkov has been a consistent playmaker all season long and he’s heating up right now. He has recorded at least 1 assist in 8 of his last 9 games against the Kings. With Florida’s offense looking great right now, we think there’s a strong chance he’ll add to that streak tonight.
2. Phillip Danault Over 0.5 Assists (+210). Danault has quietly been a key contributor for the Kings, especially against Florida. He notched assists in each of the last 4 matchups and really knows how to set up plays. This is a great value pick with some solid odds.
3. Adrian Kempe Anytime Goalscorer (+160). Anytime goalscorers are always tricky, however, Kempe has been reliable on home ice, scoring in each of the Kings’ last 4 home games. With the Kings needing some offensive production tonight, we’re looking for him to stay hot in front of the home crowd.

These props just go to show the key player trends and stats heading into the game. They give you some exciting options to follow alongside the action.