2023 Los Angeles Kings Predictions with Futures Odds and Expert NHL Picks
Summary of last season
The Los Angeles Kings fought off Seattle for the final guaranteed spot in the Pacific Division last season, finishing with 104 points. They were stellar at home, with 56 of their 104 points on home ice. They didn’t do great against their division opponents, but they owned the other Western Conference division. They were 15-6-3 against Central Division opponents while also performing well against the Atlantic Division, going 11-4-1. The Kings were one of the more dangerous units to face on the PP, as they cashed in on 25.3% of them. Their PK%, however, was not great, as they killed just 75.8% of the PP’s they faced.
Anze Kopitar led the way for the Kings with 74 points on 28 goals and 46 assists. Despite only playing in 69 games, Kevin Fiala was second on the team with 72 points and led the team in assists with 49. C Andre Kempe was the team’s leading goal scorer, as he finished with 41 goals and also ranked third on the team in points with 67. They had good depth behind them with Viktor Arvidsson, Philip Danault, and Drew Doughty all recording more than 50 points. Their goalie by committee was just inconsistent last season. However, as a group they allowed just 3.10 GA/G but recorded a low of .892 SV%.
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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 2023-24:
Key Additions/Losses
Their offseason is highlighted by trading for Jets F Pierre-Luc Dubois. They did have to part ways with Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari, and Gabriel Vilardi in addition to a second-round pick, but Dubois should add that offensive spark to stay competitive against the Wests top teams.
G Joonas Korpisalo, who was absolutely incredible in a Kings uniform, is now headed to Ottawa. Korpisalo went 7-3-1 with a .921 SV% and allowed just 2.13 GA/G.
They did add veteran goalie Cam Talbot, who will likely be penciled in as the day one starter this season. Additionally, they added F Trevor Lewis (20 points, CAL), D Andreas Englund, and G David Rittich.
X-Factors
Pierre-Luc Dubois- The forward was solid for the Jets a season ago. He and Kevin Fiala will form an incredible second line for LA. Dubois suddenly makes the Kings look like a team that can score.
Cam Talbot- Whether he is eventually overtaken by Pheonix Copley as Goalie 1 or not, Talbot will need to be consistent. They will play close to the same amount of time this season, and Talbot will need to produce similar numbers in order for the Kings to win some games against Edmonton, Seattle, Vancouver and Vegas.
Goalie Outlook
Last season, Pheonix Copley saw the most time in between the poles for the Kings, as the goalie went 24-6-3, allowing just 2.64 GA/G and a decent.903 SV%. He will likely draw a near 50/50 split with veteran Talbot likely unable to carry the workloads he is used to. Adding the serviceable David Rittich gives the Kings depth at the position, which is huge heading into this season with the offense likely to improve.
Grade: B
Key Schedule Stretch
October 11th- November 16th- The opening stretch of the season should be telling for the direction of this Kings team. They open the season with back-to-back home games against the likes of Colorado and Carolina. They will also host Boston, Vegas, Pittsburgh, and Florida in this stretch as well. This will be an exciting tell for this team hosting tough opponents. The stretch also includes key road games to Vegas and Ottawa.
Notable Odds
*DraftKings Sportsbook
Stanley Cup Champions - +2200
Conference Winner - +1100
Division Winner - +450
Norris Trophy- Drew Doughty +10000
Prediction
I like the Kings to stay right where they were last season. The depth is suspect for review, but Dubois adds a lot of firepower to this team. I believe if Talbot and Copley settle in early, they will be a reliable tandem and keep the Kings in a lot of games. They likely won’t overtake Edmonton or Vegas in the Pacific standings, but they will be in the playoff picture and be a tough out for whoever they face in the first round.
Over 100.5 Team Total Points
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