Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL

 

Recent Performance

Florida Panthers (29-16-6): The Panthers are back on home ice after a long road trip out west and after a 4-1 defeat to the Las Vegas Golden Knights on January 26th. With a dominant top line and stellar goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida has been one of the league’s top teams this season. Their ability to control possession and generate high-danger chances has been key to their recent success.

Los Angeles Kings (26-15-5): The Kings enter this game following a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on January 27th. They’ve been inconsistent lately, struggling to find offensive production beyond their top line. An improved power play and tighter defensive play will be crucial as they look to bounce back on home ice.

 

Team Records and Trends

Florida Panthers

• Overall Record: 29-16-6
• Home Record: 13-9-2
• Power Play: 24.2% (9th in the NHL)
• Penalty Kill: 79.1% (17th in the NHL)
• Last 10 Games: 5-4-1
• Florida’s depth scoring has been a major asset, with contributions coming from all four lines. Their ability to control the pace of play and limit turnovers has been a key reason for their recent success.

Los Angeles Kings

• Overall Record: 26-15-6
• Road Record: 11-12-5
• Power Play: 15.9% (29th in the NHL)
• Penalty Kill: 81.9% (8th in the NHL)
• Last 10 Games: 4-5-1
• The Kings have struggled with consistency, particularly in generating offense at even strength. Their defensive core remains solid, but they will need to find a way to capitalize on scoring chances to keep up with Florida.

 

Key Players to Watch

Florida Panthers

• Matthew Tkachuk: Tkachuk continues to be a driving force for the Panthers, with 27 goals and 41 assists this season. His physical play and offensive creativity make him a constant threat.
• Aleksander Barkov: The Panthers’ captain has been a two-way force, contributing 22 goals and 39 assists while excelling defensively.

Los Angeles Kings

• Anze Kopitar: The veteran leader remains a key piece for the Kings, tallying 12 goals and 31 assists. His ability to win faceoffs and control play will be critical against Florida’s strong center depth.
• Adrian Kempe: With 24 goals and 20 assists, Kempe has been one of L.A.’s most consistent offensive performers. His speed and playmaking ability will be crucial in breaking through Florida’s structured defense.

 

Injury Report

Florida Panthers

• No significant injuries to report.

Los Angeles Kings

• Kevin Fiala – Game time decision tonight due to illness..

 

Goaltending Matchup

Florida Panthers

• Sergei Bobrovsky: Confirmed as the starter tonight, Bobrovsky will look to add to his stellar record of 20-11-2 in 33 games with a goals against average of 2.80 and a save percentage of .898 this season.

Los Angeles Kings

• Darcy Kuemper: Likely to get the nod, Kuemper has a solid record of 14-5-6 record in 26 games this season with a goals against average of 2.17 and a save percentage of .918.

 

Game Outlook

The Panthers come into this game as the favorites, boasting a well-balanced attack and strong goaltending. If they can maintain their possession game and capitalize on power-play opportunities, they’ll be in a strong position to secure another road win.

For the Kings, finding secondary scoring and staying disciplined will be key. They’ll need a strong defensive effort to contain Florida’s high-powered offense and take advantage of any mistakes to stay competitive.

A major boost for Los Angeles comes with the return of Drew Doughty to the lineup tonight. The veteran defenseman has been sidelined for the past few weeks with a lower-body injury, and his presence on the blue line should provide stability and leadership. Doughty’s ability to log heavy minutes, contribute offensively, and anchor the penalty kill will be crucial for the Kings as they look to contain Florida’s dynamic attack.

Expect a tightly contested matchup, with Florida’s depth potentially being the deciding factor.

 

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-BetOnBanana