NHL Preview: St. Louis Blues (29-27-6) vs. Los Angeles Kings (31-20-8)

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The upcoming NHL game between the St. Louis Blues and the Los Angeles Kings is set to be an exciting matchup. Here’s a detailed preview of what to expect:

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Game Details

  • Date and Time: Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 10:30 PM ET
  • Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
  • Broadcast: ESPN+, FDSN MW, FDSN W, 101 ESPN (101.1 FM), 710 ESPN

Team Records

  • St. Louis Blues: 29-27-6
  • Los Angeles Kings: 31-20-8

Recent Form

  • St. Louis Blues: The Blues had their four-game win streak snapped on Sunday in a 6-3 loss to the Dallas Stars. They are averaging 4.4 goals per game while allowing 2.4 goals per game. They currently sit one point back of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
  • Los Angeles Kings: The Kings suffered their fourth straight loss on Monday as they dropped a 5-1 decision to the Chicago Blackhawks. In their skid, they are averaging 1.50 goals per game while allowing an average of 4.50 goals per game1. They still hold the third spot in the Pacific Division by five points.

Key Players and Injuries

  • St. Louis Blues:
    • Pavel Buchnevich: This season has 42 points on 13 goals and 29 assists. He’s faced the Kings 16 times in his career, recording six points on two goals and four assists.
    • Robert Thomas: Extended his point streak to eight games on Thursday (four goals, eight assists) with an assist on Parayko’s goal.
    • Injuries: Torey Krug (LTIR), Alexandre Texier (DTD), Tyler Tucker (DTD).
  • Los Angeles Kings:
    • Adrian Kempe: This season has 50 points on 26 goals and 24 assists. He’s faced St. Louis 26 times in his career, recording 15 points on ten goals and five assists.
    • Darcy Kuemper: The Kings’ goaltender has started in 32 games this season, posting an 18-7-6 overall record.
    • Injuries: None reported.

Game Preview

The Los Angeles Kings are entering this game as slight favorites, given their home advantage and the Blues playing the second half of a back-to-back. The Kings have been strong defensively on home ice, allowing only 2.2 goals per game over their last ten games. They will look to capitalize on the Blues’ tired legs and secure a much-needed win to stay in the playoff race.

The St. Louis Blues, on the other hand, will need a strong performance from their key players to overcome the Kings. They have been averaging 4.4 goals per game over their last ten games and will look to continue their offensive momentum. Robert Thomas’ strong record against the Kings will be crucial in this matchup.

Keys to the Game

  • St. Louis Blues: Maintain their high shooting percentage, control the boards, and exploit the Kings’ defensive weaknesses.
  • Los Angeles Kings: Continue their strong defensive play, dominate in faceoffs, and get scoring from their top players.

St. Louis Blues                                   5.5

Los Angeles Kings                            – 160

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, March 4, 2025