The Los Angeles Kings (23-17-13) face a tough road test against the Carolina Hurricanes (33-15-6) in an interconference matchup. The Kings enter on a three-game win streak but have struggled away from home, while the Hurricanes boast one of the league’s top defenses and aim to extend their seven-game point streak. This contest could hinge on special teams and goaltending, with Carolina’s Frederik Andersen likely starting after a strong January. Broadcast on ESPN+, FDSSO, and FDSNW.
Venue Location
Lenovo Center
Raleigh, NC
Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET
Recent Team Forms
Both teams played on January 31, with mixed results. Carolina’s point streak stands at seven, but they’ve shown vulnerability in close games.
Los Angeles Kings (5-3-2 in last 10 games, on 3-game win streak):
The Kings average 3.1 goals per game (GPG) in their last 10, allowing 3.0 GPG (positive margin of +0.1). They’ve shot 10.2% with solid penalty killing. Recent results:
Jan 31: W 3-2 OT @ PHI (1 G, strong PK)
Jan 29: L 1-4 @ BUF (0 G, poor offense)
Jan 27: W 3-1 @ DET
Jan 25: PPD @ CBJ
Jan 23: W 5-4 @ STL
Overall, L.A. ranks 18th in GPG (3.0) and 20th in goals against per game (GA/G, 3.1), with a power play at 19.2% (22nd).
Carolina Hurricanes (7-1-2 in last 10 games, on 1-game win streak):
The Hurricanes average 3.7 GPG in their last 10, allowing 2.9 GPG (positive margin of +0.8). They’ve shot 11.5% with elite shot suppression. Recent results:
Jan 31: L 3-4 OT @ WSH (3 G, PK issues)
Jan 29: W 5-4 vs UTA
Jan 24: W 4-1 @ OTT
Jan 22: L 3-4 SO vs CHI
Jan 19: W 5-3 vs DAL
Overall, Carolina ranks 4th in GPG (3.41) and 9th in GA/G (2.87), with a power play at 21.6% (13th) and penalty kill at 81.2% (10th).
Injury Report
Los Angeles Kings:
Alex Turcotte (C): Out – Upper Body (IR)
Carolina Hurricanes:
Eric Robinson (LW): Out – Upper Body (extended period)
Pyotr Kochetkov (G): Out For Season – Lower Body/Hip Surgery
Charles-Alexis Legault (D): Out – Hand (IR)
Key
Player Matchups
With injuries impacting depth, focus shifts to top lines and special teams. Carolina’s shot volume (31.9 shots per game, 9th) could overwhelm L.A.’s goaltending.
Sebastian Aho (CAR) vs. Anze Kopitar (LAK): Aho (0.95 PPG, strong two-way) drives Carolina’s offense; Kopitar (veteran center, faceoff specialist) must neutralize him in the dot (55% faceoff win rate).
Andrei Svechnikov (CAR) vs. Quinton Byfield (LAK): Svechnikov (power forward, 0.82 PPG) thrives on physicality; Byfield (emerging scorer, recent OT winner) needs to match his speed.
Frederik Andersen (CAR) vs. David Rittich (LAK): Andersen (2.61 GAA, .912 SV%) anchors Carolina; Rittich (backup role) may start if Kuemper rests, facing Carolina’s high shots.
Brent Burns (CAR) vs. Adrian Kempe (LAK): Burns (blue-line offense, 0.68 PPG) quarterbacks the PP; Kempe (speedy winger) must exploit transitions.
Carolina’s bench depth gives them an advantage over L.A.’s road-weary rotation.
Series History
The Hurricanes hold a 41-38-11 all-time edge over the Kings (including Hartford Whalers era). In recent matchups, Carolina averages 3.8 GPG while L.A. scores 3.2 GPG. Recent games:
Oct 14, 2025: Hurricanes 4-3 OT Kings (CAR won at LA)
Mar 25, 2025: Kings 3-2 Hurricanes (LAK won at CAR)
Jan 15, 2024: Hurricanes 5-2 Kings (CAR won at home)
Oct 14, 2023: Hurricanes 6-3 Kings (CAR won at LA)
Mar 4, 2023: Kings 4-3 Hurricanes (LAK won OT at home)
Carolina has won 3 of the last 5.
Betting Trends
Carolina is 29-24 ATS this season (19-10 ATS at home), while L.A. is 24-29 ATS (10-17 ATS on road). The Hurricanes’ games hit the over 45.3% of the time (24/53), and combined, these teams average 6.4 GPG (exceeding the total by 0.9). However, with injuries, recent unders trend—Kings 6-4 O/U last 10; Hurricanes 5-5 O/U last 10. Carolina is 7-3 ATS in last 10; L.A. is 5-5 ATS in last 10. The Hurricanes are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Pacific teams.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Kings 5.5
Carolina Hurricanes – 192
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 31, 2026
