The Los Angeles Kings (31-17-8) are set to face the St. Louis Blues (28-26-6) at the Enterprise Center on March 1, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM CT. This matchup features two Western Conference teams with different trajectories, as the Kings aim to solidify their playoff position while the Blues look to extend their recent winning streak. Here’s a detailed preview:
Team Form and Recent Performances
- Los Angeles Kings: The Kings are coming off a tough 6-2 loss to the Dallas Stars in the first half of a back-to-back. Despite the setback, Los Angeles has been competitive this season, holding the third spot in the Pacific Division with 70 points. However, their road record of 12-15-5 highlights some inconsistency away from home. Special teams were a concern in their last game, as they allowed two power-play goals and a shorthanded tally.
- St. Louis Blues: The Blues are riding a three-game winning streak, including an impressive 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. February was a strong month for St. Louis, as they posted a 5-1-2 record and earned points in five consecutive games. Their defense has been a key factor, with contributions from players like Philip Broberg, who scored twice in their last outing. The Blues have also been perfect on the penalty kill during their recent streak.
Key Players to Watch
- Los Angeles Kings: Captain Anze Kopitar leads the Kings with 46 points (13 goals, 33 assists) and remains a pivotal figure for the team. Adrian Kempe, with 26 goals and 23 assists, is another offensive threat. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who has an 18-7-6 record this season, will need to bounce back after a challenging game against Dallas.
- St. Louis Blues: Robert Thomas has been on fire, extending his point streak to eight games with four goals and eight assists during that span. Defenseman Philip Broberg has also been impactful, with five points in his last five games. Brayden Schenn, who recently celebrated his 1,000th NHL game, continues to be a reliable contributor.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
- This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season. The Kings and Blues are set to face each other three times in the next week, making this game a tone-setter for the mini-series. Historically, the Blues have been strong at home against the Kings, and they will look to maintain that advantage.
Game Dynamics and Strategies
- The Kings will aim to tighten up their special teams and capitalize on their offensive depth. Their penalty kill, ranked eighth in the league, will need to be sharp against St. Louis’ improving power play.
- The Blues, on the other hand, will look to continue their defensive dominance and capitalize on their recent momentum. Their ability to control the pace of the game and generate offense from the blue line could be key factors.
Los Angeles Kings 5.5
St. Louis Blues – 112
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 28, 2025
