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2024-25 Los Angeles Kings Predictions and Odds to Win Stanley Cup Finals

by Ryan Cobbett - 9/30/2024

Los Angeles Kings predictions Adrian Kempe

For the third season in a row, the Los Angeles Kings were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers. In 2021-22, they were eliminated in seven games, in 2022-23, they lost in six, and last season they were knocked out in just five games. They went down in five games with a -9-goal differential. Overall, Los Angeles finished with 99 points, narrowly beating out Vegas for the final guaranteed spot in the Pacific Division.

Los Angeles finished in the middle of the pack in scoring, as they averaged just 3.10 GA/G. Their average offense showed in their Power Play chances as they cashed in on 22.6% of their man advantages, which ranked 11th in the NHL. Their 84.6% PK% was the second best in the league behind Carolina’s 86.4% mark. Adrian Kempe led the team with 75 points despite playing in only 77 games. He finished with 28 goals, which was the third most on the Kings, while his 47 assists led the team. Kevin Fiala finished right behind Kempe with 73 points on 29 goals and 44 assists. Fiala was followed by Anze Kopitar, who was the third Kings player to reach the 70-point mark, as he finished with 70 points on 26 goals and 44 assists. Trevor Moore led the team with 31 goals, while he finished fourth in overall points with 57.

The goaltending was the true strength of this squad, as they ranked third in the NHL, allowing just 2.56 GA/G on a .912 SV%, which ranked fifth. Their seven shutouts were tied for the second most in the NHL. Cam Talbot is responsible for most of the King’s success between the pipes, as the veteran goalie finished 27-20-6, allowing just 2.50 GA/G on a .913 SV%. His backup, David Rittich, was solid in a limited role, as he allowed just 2.16 GA/G on an elite .921 SV% in his 24 games.

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Seasons come and go, so now it’s time to take a look at what we can expect from the Los Angeles Kings in 2024-25:

Los Angeles Kings Key Additions/Losses

The Kings made a few significant trades this summer. After paying a big price to get him, they shipped off Pierre-Luc Dubois after a failed season in Los Angeles. Dubois had 40 points on just 16 goals and 24 assists. They also traded Carl Grundstrom (12 points) to San Jose. Veteran forward Viktor Arvidsson left the Kings to join the rival Oilers, while Matt Roy (25 points), Blake Lizotte (15 points) moved on as well. With all those losses, there was none bigger than Cam Talbot, who moved on after an incredible season in Los Angeles.

The Kings replaced Talbot’s departure by trading for Darcy Kuemper, who allowed 3.31 GA/G in Washington. They also added Kyle Burroughs (eight points) and Tanner Jeannot (14 points) via trades. The Kings also signed Warren Foegele (41 points) and Joel Edmundson (six points).

Los Angeles Kings X-Factors

Goaltending- Obviously, the biggest change to the Kings roster was in the crease as they downgraded from Cam Talbot to Darcy Kuemper. David Rittich played really well last season but will likely see an increase in his playing time, so we will just have to see how that affects his numbers. His 22 starts were the most he has had in a season since 2019-20. Kuemper is coming off the worst season of his career as well, so the Kings will hope he can rebound and perform like he did in his lone season with Colorado.

Front Office- The Kings are going to be an interesting team to follow this season with the uncertainties between the pipes. They should be in the playoff picture, but the front office will likely need to add another big-time scorer to give the offense a boost. It will be interesting to see how the front office chooses to handle the trade market.

Los Angeles Kings Goalie Outlook

See above. Their goaltending performance is going to be crucial for the Kings success this season, as they have one guy who had a career worst season with another netminder who is coming off a career best. With the inconsistency of Kuemper and Rittich, paired with the average at best offensive potential, the Kings success depends on the goaltending.

Grade: C+

Los Angeles Kings Key Schedule Stretch

January 25th-February 26th- This is a long month for the Kings, with a five-game road trip and then a six-game home stand that surrounds the All-Star Break. The road trip starts in Columbus with stops in Detroit, Florida, Tampa Bay, and Carolina. Four of those games are against teams who will be in the thick of the playoff race. The homestand includes Montreal, Dallas, Anaheim, Utah, Vegas, and Vancouver. Four of the six games here will feature playoff caliber teams, with key games against Vegas and Vancouver as they look for help from tiebreaker scenarios.

Los Angeles Kings Notable Odds

Stanley Cup Champions: +2300

Conference Winner: +1100

Division Winner: +500

To Make the Playoffs- Yes: -230

Vezina Trophy- Darcy Kuemper: +15000

Norris Trophy- Drew Doughty: +40000

Los Angeles Kings Predictions

The Kings do not have the offense to make up for the state of their goalie group. Unless Kuemper can return to being an above average goalie or Rittich somehow improves in his older years, the Kings will once again be a first round out in the playoffs. The Canucks and Knights both look a little weaker heading into the season, but I think the Kings will fall out of the guaranteed spot and finish in the wild card race, where they will have to look out for Minnesota and Winnipeg. I like the under 96.5 on the Team Point total here with the questions in the net and the limited offense. It is unlikely they will add a big-time name at the deadline after losing a lot of capital in last season’s big time move in acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois from Winnipeg, making the under an easy pick.

Under 96.5 Team Total Points

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