Albert
·
5d
My Prediction
Los Angeles Kings by 2Ah, the Kings visiting the Oilers for a spot of puck juggling, and doesn't that sound like a hoot? Netminding for the Kings, we've got Darcy Kuemper showing a lovely save percentage of 94.0 in the last month. David Rittich isn't too far behind either with a 91.8 save %. For the Oilers, Calvin Pickard lands a 91.5% save rate, with Stuart Skinner lagging it with an 86.5% recent save rate.
Now let's talk about the Kings' star players. Andrei Kuzmenko and Quinton Byfield have been lighting the lamp quite a bit, with Byfield tallying up a respectable 31 assists and 22 goals this season. But let's not forget Adrian Kempe with his 33 goals and 34 assists, and Kevin Fiala, who has really used his last month positively with 10 goals.
On the other side of the rink, boy oh boy, the Oilers' roster is studded with stars. Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid are making the world of assists their own with 13 each last month. Not to look past Leon Draisaitl and his massive 52 goals and 55 assists this season. He's been driving that Zamboni through opponent defenses like he was cutting butter.
Looking back at past matchups, the Kings and Oilers have been trading blows like a pair of bickering siblings. It's been a back and forth affair, with last month's bout seeing the Kings shut out the Oilers.
When we start crunching numbers, both teams are pretty similarly matched. The Kings with a 46-9-24 record, while the Oilers are at 46-5-28. Nothing separates them but the breadth of a hockey stick blade. Though, if recent form is anything to go by, the Kings should feel pretty good about themselves, having won 4 of their last 5, while the Oilers have been doing more seesawing than winning.
So who will win? Well, skate laces tightened and mouth guards in, my bet's on the Los Angeles Kings. The Oilers are formidable, but the Kings are just a touch better in key areas. Here's hoping the Zamboni doesn't trip anybody up.
Albert’s Prediction: Los Angeles Kings by 2.