The Nashville Predators are set to face the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The puck drops at 10:30 PM EST, and the game will be broadcast on Bally Sports West and Bally Sports South.
Team Form and Standings
- Nashville Predators: The Predators are enduring a tough season with a 25-33-7 record, placing them near the bottom of the Central Division. They are coming off a 4-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, marking their third consecutive defeat. Nashville has struggled on the road, with a 10-18-4 record, and will need a strong performance to turn their fortunes around.
- Los Angeles Kings: The Kings, in contrast, are thriving with a 35-20-9 record, sitting second in the Pacific Division. They are coming off a dominant 5-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes, extending their winning streak to three games. Los Angeles has been formidable at home, boasting a 20-9-4 record at the Crypto.com Arena.
Key Players to Watch
- Nashville Predators:
- Filip Forsberg: The Predators’ leading scorer has 24 goals and 31 assists, making him a key offensive weapon.
- Roman Josi: The captain continues to anchor the blue line, contributing 15 goals and 38 assists this season.
- Juuse Saros: Expected to start in goal, Saros has a 20-25-6 record with a 2.91 goals-against average (GAA) and a .913 save percentage. His ability to make key saves will be crucial against the Kings’ potent offense.
- Los Angeles Kings:
- Anze Kopitar: The veteran center leads the Kings with 22 goals and 45 assists, showcasing his playmaking ability and leadership.
- Adrian Kempe: Kempe has been in fine form, tallying 27 goals and 20 assists, making him a consistent scoring threat.
- Pheonix Copley: Likely to start in net, Copley has a 21-8-3 record with a 2.56 GAA and a .910 save percentage. He has been reliable for the Kings throughout the season.
Matchup Insights
- The Kings have dominated the season series so far, winning both previous meetings: a 4-1 victory on November 15 and a 3-2 overtime win on January 10. Los Angeles’ ability to control the pace of play and capitalize on special teams has been a key factor in their success.
- Nashville’s offense has struggled, averaging just 2.65 goals per game, which ranks 28th in the league. In contrast, the Kings are averaging 3.34 goals per game, ranking 8th in the NHL.
- Special teams could play a pivotal role in this matchup. The Kings’ power play is converting at 23.1%, while the Predators’ penalty kill has been inconsistent, operating at 76.8%.
Injuries and Lineups
- Nashville Predators: The Predators are without Ryan McDonagh (upper body) and Juuso Pärssinen (lower body), both of whom are sidelined indefinitely.
- Los Angeles Kings: The Kings are relatively healthy, with no major injuries reported. Their depth and balanced lineup will be a significant advantage.
