Los Angeles Kings vs New York Rangers Prediction, 12/14/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Los Angeles Kings vs New York Rangers

Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024

Location: Madison Square Garden in New York, NY

TV: MSG+

Odds/Point Spread: Kings (-196) Rangers (+162)

The New York Rangers (15-12-1) will try to beat the Los Angeles Kings (17-8-3) at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. The moneyline on this contest has the Kings at -196 and the Rangers open at +162. The over/under is 6.

The Los Angeles Kings had a good night with a 3-1 win over the Islanders in their last outing. Los Angeles compiled 6 mins in the box in this outing. In addition, they had 1 power play chance but didn't net one. The Kings had a middle of the road showing in the victory. In the game, they tallied a score on 3 of the 30 shots they tried.

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When playing at even strength, the Kings have allowed the opponent to score 53 goals while notching 73 themselves. Los Angeles Kings opponents have earned 92 power play tries (9th in the league) and have racked up 18 goals in those attempts. When discussing their scoring, the Los Angeles Kings have earned 86 goals (16th in the NHL) so far this year and have allowed 71. Los Angeles has taken 786 shots and holds a shot percentage of 10.9%. For the year, they have earned 37 points and their points percentage is sitting at .661. The Kings so far have had 676 shots tried against them and have earned a save percentage of .895. Los Angeles comes into tonight with 78 power play chances and they have tallied 13 goals out of those attempts, giving them a percentage of 16.67%.

The man in net for this game is David Rittich. Throughout his time in hockey, Rittich has recorded 104 quality starts and his rate for quality starts is .553. His save percentage currently sits at .906 during his 10,635 minutes in the crease. Rittich has had 5,579 shots taken against him and has recorded 5,052 total saves. Opponents have tallied 527 goals against Rittich in his pro hockey career and his average for goals against per game is 2.97. He has accumulated a record of 102-63-24 and was named the starter in 188 games. Rittich has participated in 213 contests over the course of his hockey career.

When they were on the ice last, New York faced the Sabres in a matchup where the Rangers ended up with the victory by a final score of 3-2. They had 4 power play chances in this contest and netted 1 out of those chances. The Rangers earned 3 goals of the 28 shots on goal they were seeking.

The Rangers have scored 72 goals at even strength and 17 goals (16th in pro hockey) while having more men on the ice. New York has put up 852 shots (10th in pro hockey) and has a shooting percentage of 10.45%, while allowing the opposition 893 shots. On the season, the New York Rangers are sitting with 89 goals, 31 points, and a points percentage of .554. They have granted a total of 83 goals to be scored by of a combination of 71 goals at even strength and 12 goals while they were shorthanded. They have earned 75 chances on the power play and they have accumulated a power play percentage of 22.67%. They have a penalty kill percentage of 86.21% on the other teams 87 power play opportunities, and their save percentage is currently 90.7%.

Across the rink you will find Igor Shesterkin in the crease. Shesterkin has amassed a lifetime record of 145-69-18 and has participated in 234 contests. Shesterkin's percentage of quality starts sits at 64.6% and he has qualified for 148 quality starts in his NHL career. He has accrued 6,460 saves out of the 7,022 shots attempted, giving him a rate of .920. His opponents are averaging 2.70 goals/game and he has relinquished 562 goals overall. He has started in 229 games and his ice time sits at 12,478 minutes.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take Los Angeles (-196)

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