Both teams are on the second half of a back to back, but Vegas has the edge here. They slept in their own beds while LA had to travel after dropping a 4-2 decision to Seattle. The Kings did pull off a blockbuster yesterday, acquiring Artemi Panarin from the Rangers, but he won't play tonight. Ken Holland confirmed Panarin hasn't skated in over a week and will join the team for practice on February 18.
Vegas also catches another break with Mikey Anderson listed as day to day with an upper body injury, weakening LA's top four defensive rotation.
What We're Expecting Tonight
Vegas wins this one. The momentum factor is real. Teams that break losing streaks with convincing wins tend to carry that energy into the next game. The Kings are a solid defensive team and play a structured game that can frustrate opponents, but they struggle to score. Adding Panarin will eventually fix that problem, but he's not available tonight.
Our prediction: Vegas 4, LA 2. Maybe 3-1 if both goalies are sharp.
Guys to Watch
- Pavel Dorofeyev is the hottest scorer on this Vegas team. He put up 7 shots last night and scored again. The guy leads the club with 25 goals and just keeps finding ways to get the puck on net.
- Ivan Barbashev has goals in four straight games. He's found chemistry on the top line and is capitalizing on high danger chances.
- Jack Eichel finally broke through last night after a quiet stretch. He leads the team with 66 points and 46 assists. Once Eichel gets one, he tends to get hot. The Kings should be worried.
- Mark Stone had two assists last night and continues to be one of the smartest playmakers in the league.
- For the Kings, watch Andrei Kuzmenko who scored both LA goals last night.
Final Thoughts
Vegas needs to prove last night wasn't a fluke. The Kings need points to stay in the playoff hunt. Should be a good one.
Let's go Knights.