Vegas Golden Knights vs. Los Angeles Kings: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings meet for a very important Pacific Division battle on Monday in the NHL as the race for the playoffs ramps up following the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

These two rivals should bring a spirited battle as there are just seven points separating Vegas in first in Pacific from the Kings in third, with LA having three games in hand.

The season series is currently 1-1 with a blowout home win for each team so far, but who will win the third instalment? To get you set for the game, here are our Golden Knights vs. Kings predictions.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Los Angeles Kings betting picks and predictions

Over 5.5 (-110)

The Kings are a defensive stalwart and the Golden Knights are an offensive juggernaut. Only one type of play will prevail in this game, and that is expected to be offense over defense.

Both times these teams have faced off this season, the total has gone over, with a combined total of 16 goals in two games. Although there may not be as much as the average of eight goals on Monday, 5.5 goals looks too short, particularly with the winning side having scored six on their own in the previous games.

Vegas has an absolutely stacked roster of forwards, and even without star defenseman Shea Theodore, they have a backend that can chip in. They score 3.3 goals per game which is joint-seventh overall in the entire NHL, and their group should be extremely motivated to help fill the net.

Vegas should convert multiple goals, but the Kings look capable of also filling the net, having registered at least four goals in four of their last five games. They only average 2.89 goals per game, but there is plenty of offensive talent through their lineup. They have scored 21 goals in their last five games, and their recent goal output can help push the total over.

Los Angeles Kings ML (-110)

This game should be extremely close throughout, as both teams know this is a crucial matchup in the standings, but I will lean on the Kings taking the win. They are on home ice which always helps, especially because Crypto.com Arena is always buzzing and they have a dominant 18-3-2 record at the venue.  No team has lost fewer ganes on home ice so far this season, while the Golden Knights have not been especially good travellers with a 14-11-3 record on the road.

We know that Vegas is a powerhouse with a ton of superstars, but in this matchup the Kings can produce a more balanced attack and ultimately succeed at both ends of the ice. They have excellent depth full of players continuing to try and prove themselves, while they have the added motivation of trying to close the gap in the standings.

This looks set up to be an offensive bout which would usually favor Vegas, but the Kings’ underrated and motivated attack on home ice can be the ultimate difference.

Adrian Kempe over 2.5 shots (-150)

In his first game back from the 4 Nations Face-Off, Kempe had a quiet night in a 5-3 win with 0 points and just two shots. However, Kempe is having yet another incredible season for the Kings, and is a goal-scoring machine as he leads the team in goals with 25.

He was excellent in the tournament, and I think those performances against the best NHL players will continue on the return to league action. Whether he scores or not in this game, it is a huge matchup that he will need to be heavily involved in to drive his team forward, and it will not be for a lack of trying.

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Vegas Golden Knights vs. Los Angeles Kings odds

Vegas Golden Knights	-110 ML
Los Angeles Kings	-110 ML
Puck Line	LA Kings -1.5
Total	O/U 5.5

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Los Angeles Kings player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Adrian Kempe (LA Kings)	+165
Jack Eichel (VGS Golden Knights)	+170
Kevin Fiala (LA Kings)	+190
Thomas Hertl (VGS Golden Knights)	+230
Pavel Dorofeyev (VGS Golden Knights)	+230
Mark Stone (VGS Golden Knights)	+250

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.