Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The Los Angeles Kings have secured second place in the Pacific Division and now head to face the Seattle Kraken in the second leg of a back-to-back. The main question is whether the Kings will be motivated to exert themselves in a game that holds no competitive stakes for them.
Seattle Kraken
The Kraken returned home for their final two games of the season after a five-game road trip, and they immediately gave their fans something to cheer about by edging past the St. Louis Blues in a shootout (4:3) — a result that significantly dented the St. Louis Blues’ playoff ambitions. Towards the end of the campaign, the Kraken appear to have rediscovered their rhythm. They first dismantled the Vancouver Canucks with five unanswered goals, then followed it up with a 2:1 road win over the Los Angeles Kings.
Los Angeles Kings
Last night, the Los Angeles Kings clinched second place in the division with a commanding 5:0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. With their objective now accomplished, the squad can afford to ease off. Either Adrian Kempe, David Rittich or third-choice goaltender Pheonix Copley is expected to start between the pipes. Both have struggled to impress this season, with save percentages of 89.2% and 83.3%, respectively. Several key veterans are also likely to be rested.
Seattle Kraken vs Los Angeles Kings Prediction
The Los Angeles Kings are expected to field a rotated line-up and conserve energy in this final regular-season clash. For the Seattle Kraken, this is their last chance to reward their home supporters before a long off-season, and they are likely to approach the game with full commitment.
