The Los Angeles Kings (26-14-5) head to Nationwide Arena to face the Columbus Blue Jackets (23-19-7) in what promises to be an intriguing cross-conference matchup on Saturday night.
The Kings, who have gone 6-2-2 in their last 10 meetings against Columbus, enter the contest boasting the NHL's second-best defensive record, allowing just 2.44 goals per game.
Columbus, led by Zach Werenski's impressive 53-point campaign, looks to bounce back from a recent 7-4 loss to Carolina while aiming to improve their home record.
Los Angeles brings a balanced attack featuring Adrian Kempe (44 points) and veteran Anze Kopitar (43 points), though their recent offensive output has dipped to 1.66 goals per game over their last three contests.
The Blue Jackets' high-powered offense, averaging 2.91 goals per game, will test their mettle against the Kings' stalwart defensive system and reliable goaltending.
This matchup presents an interesting clash of styles between Los Angeles's defensive prowess and Columbus's offensive firepower, setting the stage for what could be a compelling Saturday night hockey showdown at Nationwide Arena.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Los Angeles Kings: who will win?
For tonight's Columbus Blue Jackets vs Los Angeles Kings matchup, our predictive model gives the Kings a 69.33% chance of defeating the Blue Jackets.
Los Angeles Kings: 69.33% win probability
- Superior defensive efficiency (111 goals against in 45 games)
- Better points percentage (57 points in 45 games vs 53 in 49)
- More consistent goal differential (+20 compared to Blue Jackets' 0)
Columbus Blue Jackets: 30.67% win probability
- Poor defensive record (166 goals against, tied for most in division)
- Inconsistent recent form (LWLLW in last 5 games)
- Lower win percentage (23 wins in 49 games vs Kings' 26 in 45)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Los Angeles Kings odds
| Columbus Blue Jackets | Los Angeles Kings | |
|---|---|---|
| moneyline | +146 (via FanDuel Sportsbook) | -165 (via BetMGM Sportsbook) |
Key stats
- 1The Columbus Blue Jackets have won 23 out of 49 matches this season.
- 2The Los Angeles Kings have won 26 out of 45 matches this season.
- 3With 53 points, the Columbus Blue Jackets holds the 8th position in the league standings.
- 4Los Angeles Kings's 57 points place them 7th in the rankings.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Los Angeles Kings form
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Los Angeles Kings head to head
Columbus Blue Jackets
17%
Los Angeles Kings
83%
Nov 10, 2024
Los Angeles Kings
5 : 2
Columbus Blue Jackets
Feb 21, 2024
Los Angeles Kings
5 : 1
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dec 6, 2023
Columbus Blue Jackets
3 : 4
Los Angeles Kings
Mar 17, 2023
Los Angeles Kings
4 : 1
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dec 11, 2022
Columbus Blue Jackets
6 : 5
Los Angeles Kings
Apr 17, 2022
Los Angeles Kings
2 : 1
Columbus Blue Jackets
