The Los Angeles Kings (19-9-5) travel to face off against the Washington Capitals (22-8-2) on Sunday, December 22nd. This game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington and televised on ESPN+. Both the Kings and Capitals will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 ET.

Kings vs Capitals

The Los Angeles Kings Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

After a 4-3 loss to the Blackhawks, the Kings’ record now stands at 19-9-5. Los Angeles led 3-2 before allowing a goal with just 31 seconds left in regulation, and Chicago went on to win in the shootout.

The Kings were favored on the puck line, but they failed to cover. The pre-game total was set at 6 goals, and the 7 combined goals surpassed that mark.

The Washington Capitals Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

After a 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes, the Capitals now sit at 22-8-2. Washington held a 2-1 lead after the first period, but Carolina scored three unanswered goals to secure the win.

The total for the game was set at 6 goals, and the combined score matched that number. Washington, as underdogs on the puck line, failed to cover. Both of the Capitals’ goals came in the first period.

Los Angeles Offense Breakdown

In their recent matchup against Chicago, the Kings fired 40 shots on goal but only netted three times. Alex Laferriere scored twice, bringing his season total to 7 and 8 goals. Phillip Danault added his first goal of the season in the third period.

Kevin Fiala picked up two assists, giving him 4 and 5 assists for the season. The Kings had 13 giveaways and scored once on the power play, with Laferriere’s 7th goal coming on the man advantage.

Capitals Offense Breakdown

Alex Ovechkin netted his 7th goal of the season on a power play, while Brandon Duhaime added his 2nd goal in the Capitals’ 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes. Washington took 21 shots on goal and recorded 15 giveaways.

Ovechkin’s goal came just 44 seconds into the game, and Duhaime followed with another at the 19:49 mark of the first period. John Carlson picked up his 7th assist, and Dylan Strome added his 13th.

Los Angeles Team Defense

Defensively, the Kings will look to bounce back after giving up 3 goals in the 3rd period of their previous game, including one with just 31 seconds remaining. Goalie Darcy Kuemper made 18 saves with a save percentage of 85.7%.

Washington Team Defense

Defensively, the Capitals gave up the first goal of the game, but they took a 2-1 lead into the first intermission. However, they allowed two goals in the second period and another in the third, resulting in a 4-2 loss. Charlie Lindgren made 41 saves with a 93.2% save percentage, but Washington’s defense will look to improve after giving up 44 shots on goal.

Kings vs Capitals Trends

• Across their ten previous road games, Los Angeles has an puck line mark of 4-6. Their straight up record in these matchups was 4-6 while averaging 2 goals per game.
• When looking at their past three matchups at home, Washington has an puck line record of 2-1 while averaging 2 per game. The team went 2-1 overall in these games.
• The Capitals have played well in their last five games as the betting underdog, going 4-1 straight up and 4-1 against the spread.
• The last ten games that Los Angeles was favored, they have an puck line mark of 5-5 while going 7-3 straight up.

Kings vs Capitals Prediction

For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Capitals to pick up on a win over the Kings at home. With the moneyline sitting at -138, I’ll be locking in a bet on the Capitals straight-up.

If you’re looking for my recommendation on the puck line, I suggest taking the Kings to cover. Even if the Capitals manage to win outright, this game is expected to remain competitive, and the Kings should cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 5.5 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.