Golden Knights vs. Kings: Wednesday, October 30, 2024

GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. KINGS: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024 — If the first game was any indication, the gap between the Golden Knights and the Kings is very wide. Los Angeles wasn’t even close in the first meeting, losing by a 6-1 score for their fourth loss to Vegas in five meetings.

Things aren’t necessarily likely to improve with a change of venue, as Vegas is really comfortable in Hollywood. The Golden Knights have won five of the past seven meetings with the Kings in Los Angeles, and they come in hot.

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However, they also come in needing to prove themselves. Vegas has a gaudy 7-2-1 mark, but you can easily make the case that seven opponents have simply succumbed to “Vegas flu”. The Golden Knights don’t have a single win away from home this season, which speaks to how weighted the schedule has been in their favor.

This is the perfect chance to break that skid at their home away from home, as this is the first road game the Golden Knights will play in the Western Conference. If Vegas takes another loss here, then it’s time for some real questions about their ability to play on the road.

The Odds

Puck Drop

When: Wednesday, October 30 at 10 p.m. EST

Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles

Public Bets: 73% on Vegas

Public Money: 67% on Vegas

Golden Knights vs. Kings In-Season Trends

It’s hard to really get a read on the Kings. They had the eastern Canada swing early in the campaign and started the year with seven games on the road. They’ve only recently gotten to play at home, and only twice. And facing San Jose and Utah really isn’t a good barometer of where this team actually is.

Vegas also doesn’t have the greatest barometer at this point in the season. The Golden Knights do have one thing in their favor: they’re 4-0 this season against the Pacific Division.

Players to Watch

Mark Stone is starting to heat up with his shot. After just two goals in his first six games, he’s lit the lamp three times in the past four. He’s also good value for an assist or two, so if you can find a number you like for him to score a point or two, jump on it.

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Brandt Clarke has now scored in three straight games, including both games played in Los Angeles. He’s not a name people think of quickly to score as a defenseman, so you might find good value there.

The Prediction

The Golden Knights have really been a home-ice hero this season, but they’ve also played three road games on the southeastern swing. Facing Florida, Tampa Bay and Washington isn’t a great way to get road wins, as all three teams have started pretty well.

Vegas should be fine in this matchup. The Golden Knights won by five in the first meeting, and the gap hasn’t closed by that much here.