The Los Angeles Kings (3-3-0) are on the road to take on the Washington Capitals (2-3-0) at Capital One Arena on Saturday. Los Angeles is coming off a 6-1 loss against the Penguins on Thursday, ending a three-game winning streak.
The Kings committed four penalties in the game, conceding one power play goal. Carl Grundstrom was the only player to find the net for the Kings. Cal Petersen saved only six of nine shots against (.666%) after starting in the loss. Washington fell 5-2 to the Senators on Thursday. Anthony Mantha and T.J. Oshie each scored once for the Capitals. Darcy Kuemper had a great performance with 39 saves (.928%) in the loss.
HEAD TO HEAD
The teams split their two meetings last season, the last of which was a 3-2 victory for the Kings in December. Matt Roy led Los Angeles with two points (0G 2A). Justin Schultz and Connor McMichael were on the scoresheet for Washington. Garret Sparks got the win, saving 33 of 35 shots (.942%).
FACING OFF
Los Angeles is averaging 3.33 goals per game so far this season, 17th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Capitals team that is allowing 3.60 goals a game (24th). Meanwhile, Washington has found the net 3.00 times a game on average, 18th in the league, and the Kings are allowing opponents to score 4.50 goals per game (30th).
Don’t be surprised to see multiple power play opportunities for the Capitals, as the Kings are averaging 5.83 penalties per game, second-most in the NHL. The visitors’ 12.17 penalty minutes a game ranks sixth-highest. The home team has been penalized 3.80 times a game (5th) for an average of 8.80 minutes (9th).
The Capitals’ 27.78% power play percentage ranks 11th in the league, while the Kings are 21st with a conversion rate of 15.62%. Washington has been poor at penalty killing, as the home team possesses the league’s third-lowest PK% at 64.29%. Los Angeles’ 75.86% ranks 20th in the NHL.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With seven points this season, Gabriel Vilardi is the top skater for the Kings. He is among the league leaders with four goals (6th) and has added three assists. In the net, Jonathan Quick (1-2-0) is Los Angeles’ top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 3.87 GAA and a .892% save percentage.
Alex Ovechkin leads the Capitals in scoring with five points. He has two goals and three assists in five games. Kuemper (2-2-0) has the best goals against average for Washington at 3.04. He has a save percentage of .902%.
HOME AND AWAY
Los Angeles is 3-1-0 on the road this season. Washington is 2-1-0 at home this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Washington Capitals (-145)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our NHL hub page for all your hockey needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
