Kings Eye Momentum Ahead of Olympic Break, Host Kraken in Key Pacific Clash
The Los Angeles Kings are staring down a pivotal 48-hour stretch before the NHL hits pause for the Winter Olympic break. With two games on the docket and four crucial points up for grabs, head coach Jim Hiller and his squad have little room for error as they try to climb the Pacific Division standings.
The Kings, sitting at 24-17-14, are just four points behind the division leader heading into Wednesday night’s matchup against the Seattle Kraken (26-20-9). The stakes? A chance to tighten the race in the West and head into the break with serious momentum.
And that’s not all that’s making headlines in L.A.
Earlier this week, the Kings made a major splash before the NHL’s roster freeze, acquiring star forward Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers. It’s a bold move by the new general manager-one that signals this team isn’t just looking to make the playoffs. They’re aiming to make noise once they get there.
Panarin’s Arrival Adds Firepower
Panarin’s arrival could be a game-changer for a Kings offense that’s shown flashes but has lacked consistency. The veteran winger brings elite playmaking, scoring punch, and postseason experience-exactly the kind of boost a team needs heading into the final stretch of the season.
While it’s unclear exactly when Panarin will make his debut, his presence alone has already shifted the tone around the team. This is a group that believes it can contend, and now it has the roster to back that up.
Kings vs. Kraken: What to Watch
The Kings will host the Kraken at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. PT in the first of two games before the Olympic break.
Seattle, currently ahead of the Kings in the standings, presents a tough test. But with home ice and a chance to close the gap, L.A. has every reason to come out firing.
Darcy Kuemper is expected to get the start in goal for the Kings. He’ll be backed up by Anton Forsberg. On the other side, Seattle will likely counter with Joey Daccord, with Philipp Grubauer available as backup.
Here’s how the projected lineups shake out:
Los Angeles Kings Projected Lines
Forwards:
- Moore - Kopitar - Armia
- Perry - Laferriere - Kempe
- Fiala - Byfield - Kuzmenko
- Malott - Helenius - Ward
- Foegele (extra)
Defensemen:
- Dumoulin - Doughty
- Edmundson - Clarke
- Moverare - Ceci
- Hicketts (extra)
Goalies:
- Kuemper
- Forsberg
Seattle Kraken Projected Lines
Forwards:
- McCann - Beniers - Eberle
- Schwartz - Stephenson - Tolvanen
- Winterton - Wright - Kakko
- Kartye - Gaudreau - Melanson
Defensemen:
- Dunn - Larsson
- Oleksiak - Montour
- Lindgren - Evans
Goalies:
- Daccord
- Grubauer
Betting Odds and Insights
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Kings are favored at home:
- Money Line: Kings -192, Kraken +158
- Spread: Kings -1.5 (+134)
- Over/Under: 5.5 goals (Over +100, Under -122)
Oddsmakers are leaning toward a tight, low-scoring game, but the Kings’ recent offensive additions could tilt the scales. If Panarin slots in sooner than expected-or if the current lines find chemistry-this could be a game that surprises the under bettors.
Looking Ahead: Kings’ Futures Odds
The Kings’ recent moves have also impacted their futures odds:
- To win the Pacific Division: +340
- To win the Stanley Cup: +2500
It’s clear the front office sees this as a window of opportunity. With Panarin in the fold and the Olympic break offering a reset, the Kings could emerge in March as one of the West’s most dangerous teams.
But first, they’ve got business to take care of. Two games.
Four points. And a chance to head into the break with a statement.
Let’s see if they seize it.