The Vegas Golden Knights (21-11-12) head to Southern California to face the Los Angeles Kings (19-16-10) in a Pacific Division showdown on January 14, 2026. The Golden Knights are riding a four-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 20-10 in that span, while the Kings have alternated wins and losses recently, showing defensive vulnerabilities by allowing 3+ goals in four of their last five. This matchup features Vegas’s high-powered offense against LA’s resilient home play, with special teams likely to play a pivotal role. Below is a detailed breakdown.
Venue
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
Puckdrop is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT)
How to Watch: TNT, truTV, HBO Max
Recent Team Forms
The Golden Knights have surged to 7-3-0 in their last 10, emphasizing balanced scoring and improved goaltending during their current streak. They’ve been dominant on the road (11-5-6) and in high-scoring games.
Vegas Golden Knights’ Last 5 Games:
Jan 11 @ SJS: W 7-2 (Hertl 2G 3A; four-goal 3rd period)
Jan 10 vs STL: W 4-2
Jan 8 vs CBJ: W 5-3
Jan 6 @ WPG: W 4-3 (OT)
Jan 4 @ CHI: L 2-3 (OT)
The Kings are 4-5-1 in their last 10, with inconsistent defense allowing 3.4 goals per game recently. Their home record (7-10-5) has been a concern, though they’ve shown offensive flashes.
Los Angeles Kings’ Last 5 Games:
Jan 12 vs DAL: L 1-3 (Limited to 18 shots)
Jan 10 @ EDM: W 4-3 (SO) (Kempe GWG in SO)
Jan 9 @ WPG: L 1-5
Jan 7 vs SJS: L 3-4 (OT)
Jan 5 vs MIN: W 4-2
Injury Report
Vegas is managing several absences but could see reinforcements soon, impacting their depth. LA’s forward group is hit hard, forcing reliance on secondary scoring.
Vegas Golden Knights Injuries:
Brett Howden (C): Out (lower body) – Day-to-day; missed last game.
Brandon Saad (LW): Out (undisclosed) – Day-to-day; missed recent games.
Carter Hart (G): Out (lower body) – Week-to-week; out since Jan. 8.
William Karlsson (C): Out (lower body) – Week-to-week; setback, no progress.
Brayden McNabb (D): Out (upper body) – Week-to-week; on IR.
Adin Hill (G): Questionable (lower body) – Traveling but unlikely for Jan. 14; possible Jan. 15.
Los Angeles Kings Injuries:
Joel Armia (RW): Day-to-day (undisclosed) – Game-time decision.
Anze Kopitar (C): Injured reserve (undisclosed) – Out since Jan. 10; key loss.
Trevor Moore (LW): Injured reserve (undisclosed) – Out since Jan. 8.
Key Player Matchups
Expect a battle of skilled forwards, with Vegas’s depth testing LA’s depleted lines. Goaltending could swing the game amid injuries.
Jack Eichel (VGK) vs. Adrian Kempe (LAK): Eichel (16G, 32A, 48 pts) leads Vegas in playmaking; Kempe (15G, 20A, 35 pts) counters with speed and sniping.
Tomas Hertl (VGK) vs. Kevin Fiala (LAK): Hertl (18G, 21A, 39 pts; recent 5-pt game) dominates the slot; Fiala (16G, 15A, 31 pts) brings creativity.
Mark Stone (VGK) vs. Quinton Byfield (LAK): Stone (15G, 26A, 41 pts) excels in takeaways; Byfield (8G, 19A, 27 pts) uses size for possession.
Mitch Marner (VGK) vs. Corey Perry (LAK): Marner (10G, 36A, 46 pts) sets up plays; Perry (10G, 13A, 23 pts) adds grit and net-front presence.
Goalie Duel: Carl Lindbom (VGK) – Recent 18 saves in win; vs. Darcy Kuemper (LAK) – 2.50 GAA, .905 SV% in 28 starts.
Special teams: Vegas PP (23.1%) vs. LA PK (78.9%); LA’s PP (17.4%) faces Vegas’s strong PK (80.5%).
Series History
The Kings hold a slight all-time edge at 19-18-2 in regular-season games against the Golden Knights (Vegas leads playoffs 4-0 from 2018). Vegas has struggled recently, going 1-4-0 in the last five meetings, including a 6-5 SO loss on Oct. 8, 2025.
Recent Head-to-Head:
Oct 8, 2025: LAK 6-5 (SO) @ VGK
Mar 9, 2025: VGK 6-5 @ LAK
Feb 24, 2025: LAK 3-2 vs VGK
Nov 8, 2024: LAK 4-1 @ VGK
Oct 30, 2024: LAK 6-3 vs VGK
Betting Trends
Puck Line: Vegas 15-9 ATS on road; LA 12-11 ATS at home.
Over/Under: Over has hit in 9 of Vegas’ last 12; combined, teams average 6.1 goals/game.
Trends: Vegas 4-1 SU last 5, but 1-4 SU last 5 vs. LA. Kings 2-3 SU/ATS last 5 home; over in 5 of last 6 vs. VGK.
Game Odds
Vegas Golden Knights – 112
Los Angeles Kings 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 13, 2026
