Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
In just three days, the Boston Bruins have gone from leading the Atlantic Division to dropping out of the play-off places, and now they have to face the Los Angeles Kings.
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings were also top of the Pacific Division on 16 November, but first place did not last long. After two defeats on the road — against the Washington Capitals (1:2) and the San Jose Sharks (3:4 SO) — they have already dropped to fourth place in the division. They have not played at home since 6 November, when they lost to the Florida Panthers (2:5). Things are not going well on home ice: they have won only one of seven games. The worst spell came at the start of the season, when they lost five home games in a row. However, not long ago the hosts put together a six-game winning streak on the road.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins have been playing for two weeks without their two centres Casey Mittelstadt and Elias Lindholm, but that did not prevent them from winning: David Pastrňák continued to pick up points (11+16). After 15 November, their best offensive defenceman and fourth-best scorer Charlie McAvoy (14 points) was also ruled out for a month. Without him, the squad lost at home to the Carolina Hurricanes (1:3) and away to the Anaheim Ducks (3:4). Now they have travelled to face the Los Angeles Kings. They should still remember their last game in California, when in March this year the hosts beat them (7:2). Such a result is unlikely now.
Los Angeles Kings vs Boston Bruins Prediction
The weak home record raises doubts about the chances of success for the Los Angeles Kings. The Boston Bruins have significant absences, but their goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who has already prevented 10.1 goals according to advanced statistics, can carry them. Darcy Kuemper is also impressive, with an even higher figure of 10.6. It is difficult for us to pick a winner because of their inconsistent results, so we will simply take the under, as the goaltenders have been performing at a high level recently.
