Two Pacific Division teams firmly in a postseason position, the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks, are battling for the first time tonight.
Los Angeles is looking to get back on track after a pair of losses against Alberta’s NHL teams. The Kings have given up four goals in three of their last four games. They’re firmly in a playoff spot, but trying to climb out of a wild-card spot right now.
Meanwhile, the Canucks are at the top of the Pacific Division. Even with a 1-4-1 record in their past six games, Vancouver is tied with the New York Rangers for the most points in the NHL entering tonight’s matchups. They also have the league’s second-best goal differential, even after the losses.
This game is not only an important test for both teams, but a potential first-round preview also. Who will come out on top in round one?
Los Angeles Kings vs Vancouver Canucks Betting Odds and Match Details
| Team | Puck Line | Total | ML |
| Kings | +1.5
-205 |
Over 6
-115 |
+120 |
| Canucks | -1.5
+170 |
Under 6
-105 |
-142 |
| **Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook and Subject to Change | |||
Fixture: Los Angeles Kings @ Vancouver Canucks
Date and Time: Thursday, February 29, 2024, 10:00 p.m. EDT
Location: Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia
Injury Report
Kings
Mikey Anderson – Out
Viktor Arvidsson – Out
Carl Grundstrom – Out
Adrian Kempe – Out
Canucks
Guillaume Brisebois – Out
Dakota Joshua – Out
Carson Soucy – Out
Key Stats
Los Angeles Kings
Goals per game: 3.03
Goals against per game: 2.67
Power play percentage: 22.3%
Penalty kill percentage: 86.4%
Shots on goal per game: 33.6
Shots on goal allowed per game: 28.3
Face-off win percentage: 50.4%
Vancouver Canucks
Goals per game: 3.62
Goals against per game: 2.75
Power play percentage: 22.8%
Penalty kill percentage: 79.0%
Shots on goal per game: 28.2
Shots on goal allowed per game: 29.8
Face-off win percentage: 50.9%
Kings vs. Canucks Prediction
Both of these teams are struggling to stop pucks right now. The Los Angeles Kings have allowed 14 goals in their last four games. In Vancouver’s last four, they’ve also surrendered 14 goals. These defenses are scrambling for answers right now.
The difference is that the Canucks can overcome that much easier, as they’re third in goals per game. Los Angeles is 19th and has only exceeded three goals scored twice in their past nine games. The Kings don’t want to get into high-scoring battles. Unfortunately, their inability to stop pucks won’t give them a choice tonight, so take the Canucks at home in a high-scoring clash.
Prediction: Vancouver Canucks 60 Min Line (+100); Over 6 (-115)
For More Sports News:
Follow Andre on Twitter at @TowerTalkSports. You can also reach out to Andre Ifill via email at andre.ifill.jr@gmail.com. For Andre’s hockey talk, listen to this podcast every weekday. Andre also discusses the NFL, NBA, and MLB here. You can read and follow Andre’s betting picks at Winners and Whiners or read more of his stuff here on Total Apex Sports. He has spent years writing, talking, and picking sports professionally at the highest level.
