NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Kings vs Penguins (Sunday, February 18)
Michael Reaves/Getty Images. Pictured: Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Kings vs. Penguins Odds
| Kings Odds | +108 |
| Penguins Odds | -130 |
| Over / Under | 5.5 -134o / +110u |
Here's everything you need to know about the Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, Feb. 18 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
Sunday’s NHL slate features a particularly interesting matchup between the Los Angeles Kings (26-16-10) and the Pittsburgh Penguin (24-20-7).
This game features two teams that have demonstrated solid performances regarding advanced metrics throughout the season, yet have failed to convert those stats into wins in the record books.
We will dive into this matchup looking for potential value, analyzing each team's recent form, season-long stats and key players to make an informed betting decision.
The Kings have been exceptional in controlling the game, as evidenced by their rank of fourth in Corsi For (CF) and fifth in expected goals (xG), indicating a team that not only possesses the puck frequently but also creates significant scoring opportunities.
Despite ranking only 18th in high-danger chances (HDC), Los Angeles has efficiently converted its possessions into quality shots. These strong metrics have not resulted in victories for the Kings, however, as they're only in the top wild-card position in the Western Conference after a scorching hot start to the season.
Defensively, Los Angeles is just as formidable.
Ranking third in Corsi Against (CA) and fifth in Expected Goals Against (xGA) means this team limits opponents' opportunities effectively, further supported by its sixth-place rank in limiting high-danger chances.
However, Cam Talbot’s goaltending stats — including a rank of 35th in save percentage and 37th in goals saved above expected — suggest potential vulnerabilities in net despite the team's strong defensive play.
This is even more evident when comparing his performance against backup David Rittich, who posts higher metrics in nearly every goaltending category.
The Penguins' offensive metrics are also impressive, ranking eighth in xGF and fourth in HDCs.
This indicates a high level of offensive efficiency, with Pittsburgh not just generating shots but creating and capitalizing on chances that have a high probability of resulting in goals.
Its rank of 13th in CF suggests that while it may not dominate puck possession like the Kings, it makes its opportunities count. Just like Los Angeles, however, Pittsburgh has not translated these elite stats into victories.
On the defensive end, the Penguins have shown they can stifle opposing offenses effectively, ranking sixth in CA, ninth in xGA and ninth in limiting HDCs.
Tristan Jarry’s goaltending has been solid with rankings that place him in the middle-to-upper tiers of the league in key metrics, providing Pittsburgh with a reliable last line of defense that complements its strong defensive structure.
NHL fans: Check out the latest updates on the debut of North Carolina sports betting online.
Kings vs. Penguins
Betting Pick & Prediction
Given the statistical analysis of this matchup, taking under six goals is the best bet.
Both teams boast strong defensive metrics, with the Kings and Penguins effectively limiting opponents' scoring opportunities, especially in terms of high-danger chances.
The goaltending situation for both teams, despite some inconsistencies from Talbot, suggests a game that could be tighter and more defensively oriented than the offensive metrics alone might predict.
The Kings’ ability to control the game and limit high-quality shots, combined with the Penguins' similar defensive efficiency and Jarry’s solid goaltending, points toward a matchup that could be more about strategic play and less about high-scoring affairs.
With both teams demonstrating the ability to suppress the other's strengths, plus both teams being heavy under teams this season (61.8% to the under for the Penguins and 57.7% to the under for the Kings), under six is the best bet for today’s matchup.
Pick: Under 6 (-115)
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