Chris Boline
- What: Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators
- Where: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2022, at 9:30 p.m. EST
- How to watch: ESPN
The 2022-23 NHL season is in full swing, with the first week of games already under our belt. Week 2 of the regular season includes a packed schedule on Tuesday, and we’re going to dive into one of the best games of Tuesday’s slate; the Nashville Predators vs. the Los Angeles Kings. Before we take a look at the odds and make our picks for the game, make sure to check out our hockey betting guides, as well as our Stanley Cup betting guides to ensure you get the best experience.
Kings vs. Predators Odds
 | Puck Line | Money Line | Spread |
| Kings | +1.5 (-200) | +135 | O 6.0 (-110) |
| Predators | -1.5 (+180) | -160 | U 6.0 (110) |
Heading into the fray, the Kings are considered underdogs on the road at (+135). It’s figured to be a high-scoring game with the total set at 6 goals even, while the Predators boast (-170) odds as the outright favorites on their home ice. In terms of the spread, the Kings are widely anticipated to keep it within a one-goal game at (-200) odds for a +1.5 puck line.
Why the Kings can win
The Kings may be underdogs in Nashville, but there’s no reason to believe that this squad can’t pull off a win on the road. Led by veteran center Anze Kopitar, the Kings are able to put up goals in a hurry but are also plagued by bouts of inconsistency. That’s already been on display early this season. The Kings were stunned 4-1 by the Seattle Kraken in their second game of the season before scoring seven goals in a 7-6 win over the Minnesota Wild just two days later.
Typically a sound defensive team, the Kings have surrendered no fewer than four goals in each game this season. If they want to pull off a win on the road in Nashville, they’ll need to improve on that end. They certainly have the talent to do so with the likes of Drew Doughty, Sean Durzi, Mikey Anderson, and Matt Roy patrolling the defensive third. The Kings’ 236 goals conceded last season were tied for the third-fewest in the Western Conference, and they’ll look to return to that form with a big shutdown performance in Nashville.
Offensively, the Kings rely upon the likes of Kopitar, Adrian Kempe, and offseason trade acquisition Kevin Fiala on their first line. Kempe leads the team with four goals in as many games, while Kopitar has five assists on the year and is tied for the team lead in points. If their star players get rolling early, the Kings can absolutely stifle a Predators defense that just surrendered nine goals in a two-game set against the Dallas Stars.
Why the Predators can win
The Predators will be looking to bounce back after an ugly showing against the Dallas Stars during their first two games back on U.S. soil after opening the year at the NHL Global Series in Prague against the San Jose Sharks. The Predators conceded nine goals in their past two games after holding the Sharks to just three goals overseas, and they’ll be determined to get back in the win column.
Led by the likes of Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg, Matt Duchene, and Ryan Johansen, the Predators are capable of filling up the scoresheet in a hurry. While Stars’ goalie Jake Oettinger held them to two goals in two games, those were outstanding performances and the same cannot be expected of the veteran Jonathan Quick or backup Cal Petersen, depending upon who starts.
Last year, these teams faced off three times, with two wins going in favor of Nashville. Two of the three matchups were held in Los Angeles, but the one game that took place at Bridgestone Arena ended up a 2-1 victory for the Predators.
The Predators’ usual stars have been off to a rather slow start this year. Josi, who led the team (and all NHL defenders) with 96 points last year, has just one point through his first four games. Forsberg and Duchene have one goal apiece through their first four games, and both have registered just two points. Needless to say, all three will be eager to shake off their slow start.
While they’ve started slow, off-season acquisition Nido Niederreiter has been excellent in his first four games as a Nashville Predator. Niederreiter has four goals under his belt this season, which is tied with Connor McDavid and Steven Stamkos for the lead league. He’ll look to add to his tally with another goal on Tuesday night, which could go a long way toward helping the Predators pick up the win.
The Pick
This game figures to be closely contested, but we’re going to roll with the Predators to bounce back and take care of business on their home ice. While they’ve been off to a slow start, Nashville will be motivated to secure their first home win of the season and get back in the goal column after being held to one goal in each game against Dallas’ Jake Oettinger. I’m backing the Predators Money Line at (-170) here, playing things safe with Nashville at home against an inconsistent Kings team.
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