The St. Louis Blues are set to face the Los Angeles Kings tonight at 10:30 PM EST at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. This will be the second meeting between these two teams this season, with the Blues winning the first matchup 4-1. Los Angeles will aim to snap a recent 4 game losing skid, while St. Louis looks to continue building momentum winning 4 of their last 5 games.

 

Recent Performance 

The Blues (29-27-6) are riding some hot hands with their offence picking up 3+ goals over the last 7 games. St. Louis has been tightening up defensively also, allowing just 14 goals in their last 5 games but with 6 allowed last game vs the Dallas Stars. Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas have been leading the charge offensively, registering 11 points in their last 5 games. The Blues’ penalty kill has also improved, successfully killing off the recent penalties they’ve taken..

 

The Kings (31-18-8) have hit a rough patch, losing the last 4 games and most recently to the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1 two days ago. Despite the struggles, Los Angeles remains a formidable opponent at home, boasting a strong record on home ice as a result of being one the best defensive cores in the Western Conference. Warren Foegele continues to produce offensively, notching 3 goals in his last 5 outings, while young star Quinton Byfield has picked up 5 assists in his last 5 games.

 

Team Records and Trends 

St. Louis Blues

Overall Record: 29-27-6
Road Record: 14-13-3
Power Play: 19.6 (23rd in the NHL)
Penalty Kill: 70.3% (30th in the NHL)
Last 10 Games: 6-2-2 

 

Los Angeles Kings

Overall Record: 31-22-6
Home Record: 19-3-3
Power Play: 15.2% (29th in the NHL)
Penalty Kill: 81.3% (8th in the NHL)
Last 10 Games: 5-3-2

 

Key Players to Watch 

St. Louis Blues

Jordan Kyrou – The Blues 2nd leading scorer has 24 goals and 25 assists this season. His ability to create chances off the rush and his recent hot streak make him a crucial player for St. Louis tonight. He also leads the team with 6 powerplay goals this season.

Colton Parayko – A stabilizing force on the blue line, Parayko has been logging heavy minutes while contributing defensively. His physical presence and ability to shut down top opponents will be key against the Kings attack. He will be a critical piece to the Blues penalty kill tonight also.

 

Los Angeles Kings

Adrian Kempe – The 28 year old sniper leads the Kings with 26 goals and 24 assists. His speed, vision and shooting ability make him a constant offensive threat and a key component of Los Angeles’ top power-play unit. 

Drew Doughty – The veteran defenseman remains the backbone of the Kings’ defense. With 5 points in 11 games since returning this season, Doughty continues to play in all situations and will be a critical piece tonight back on home ice. 

 

Injury Report 

St. Louis Blues

No significant injuries to report.

Los Angeles Kings

No significant injuries to report.

 

Goaltending Matchup

St. Louis Blues

Jordan Binnington – Confirmed to start, Binnington has been solid recently, boasting a 18-20-4 in 43 games with a goals against average of 2.81 and a save percentage of .899 this season. His poise under pressure will be vital against a potent Kings offense.

 

Los Angeles Kings

Darcy Kuemper – Confirmed to start, Kuemper has been a workhorse for the Kings, holding a 18-8-6 in 33 games with a goals against average of 2.38 and a save percentage of .910 this season. Kuemper’s ability to make timely saves will be crucial in tonight’s matchup. 

 

Game Outlook 

Tonight’s matchup features two teams moving in opposite directions. The Blues are surging with a renewed offensive pulse and defensive structure, while the Kings are looking to regain their early to mid season form. Special teams could be the deciding factor, as both clubs are struggling to find effectiveness with their special units.

For the Blues, maintaining defensive discipline and capitalizing on counterattacks will be key. Meanwhile, the Kings will rely on their power play to lift them over opponents especially off the back of veteran leadership in Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar to break through St. Louis’ improving defense.

Expect a physical, playoff-style battle as both teams fight for crucial points in the Western Conference playoff race.

 

For more insights and analysis, join my Discord community: https://discord.gg/nYuBqc26dh

-BetOnBanana