Los Angeles Kings vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction, 2/18/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Los Angeles Kings vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Date: Sunday, February 18, 2024

Location: PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA

TV: Sportsnet Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins (24-20-7) will go up against the Los Angeles Kings (25-16-10) at PPG Paints Arena on Sunday.

The Los Angeles Kings were on the right side of the scoreboard with a 2-1 victory over the Devils their last time on the ice. The Kings could have played much better offensively in the victory. In the matchup, they netted 2 out of the 29 shots they tried. Additionally, they had 4 chances on the power play and were able to net 1 goal. Los Angeles recorded 12 penalty minutes in this contest.

Los Angeles Kings opponents have totaled 161 power play opportunities (19th in professional hockey) and have come away with 21 goals in those attempts. The Kings so far have had 1,433 shots tried against them and are the owners of a save percentage of .906. Los Angeles has attempted 1,705 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 9.2%. While playing at even strength, the Kings have allowed 114 goals while having 122 on the offensive side of the ice. Los Angeles has tallied 165 power play opportunities and they have added 35 goals during those chances, giving them a percentage of 21.21%. For the current season, the have a total of 60 points and their points percentage is sitting at .588. In reference to their scoring, the Los Angeles Kings have accumulated 157 goals (19th in the National Hockey League) this year and have conceded 135.

Protecting the goal for this matchup will be David Rittich. Opponents have tallied 469 goals against Rittich in his career and his goals against rate is 2.81. Rittich has been in net for 186 contests during his professional hockey career. His save percentage sits at .906 in his 9,997 minutes in the crease. He has accumulated a win-loss mark of 86-53-24 and he was named the starter in 163 games. From the beginning of his pro career to now, Rittich has recorded 87 quality starts and his quality starts rate sits at .534. Rittich has seen 4,977 shots against him and has accrued 4,508 saves.

In their last contest, Pittsburgh opposed the Blackhawks in a game where the Penguins took home the win by a final of 4-1. They had 1 power play opportunity in this one but were not able to net one. The Penguins notched 4 goals of the 27 shots on goal they were seeking.

This season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have accumulated 148 goals, 55 points, and a points percentage of .539. They have granted a total of 135 goals to be scored by of a combination of 107 goals at even strength and 28 goals while they had less men on the ice. The Penguins have 125 goals at even strength and 23 goals (27th in pro hockey) while on the power play. They have a total of 170 power play opportunities and they have earned a power play rate of 13.53%. Pittsburgh has taken 1,686 shots (8th in hockey) and has a shooting percentage of 8.78%, while allowing the opposition 1,531 shots. They have earned a penalty kill rate of 81.46% on their opponents 151 power play chances, and their save percentage comes in at 91.2%.

On the other side of the ice you are going to see Tristan Jarry protecting the goal. The opposition is averaging 2.63 goals/game and he has surrendered 598 goals overall. Jarry's percentage of quality starts is 60.8% and he has 141 quality starts in his hockey career. He has made the start in 232 contests and has played for a total of 13,650 minutes. Jarry has accumulated a career mark of 131-76-24 and has played in 241 games. He has recorded 6,316 saves out of the 6,914 shots attempted, which gives him a save percentage of .914.

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

Josh's Pick: Take Los Angeles

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