New York Rangers vs Los Angeles Kings: Rangers Look to End Kings’ Home-Winning Streak

• The New York Rangers are 3-1-1 in the last five games.

• The Los Angeles Kings are on a five-game home winning streak.

• The Kings were 1-0-1 against the Rangers last year.

New York Rangers vs Los Angeles Kings Odds

Odds Taken from DraftKings Sportsbook.

New York Rangers vs Los Angeles Kings Predictions and Picks

New York Rangers beat Los Angeles Kings 3-2

Los Angeles Kings cover

Under 6.5 goals

Head-to-Head: New York Rangers vs Los Angeles Kings

New York Rangers vs Los Angeles Kings Predictions and Picks

The New York Rangers will travel across the country to face the Los Angeles Kings at the Crypto.com Arena. The Rangers have played solid hockey this season but have not gone on a winning streak yet. On the other side, the Kings lost their last two games but are on a five-game home winning streak.

The Rangers have only scored four goals in the last two games. Their offense often struggles and averages less than three goals a game this season. This is concerning, but there is a lot of time left in the season, and New York has a solid roster with a few goal-scorers.

The Rangers have a sputtering offense but can rev it with the help of Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider. Artemi Panarin only has five goals but leads his team with 17 assists. The left-winger is always looking to get his teammates involved. Adam Fox is a defenseman but one of the best in the league. Fox has six goals, 15 assists, and a team-leading +/- of seven. He often shares the ice with Mika Zibanejad. Zibanejad leads the Rangers with ten goals and has 11 assists. Much of Zibanejad’s success has come from the power play, as he has seven power-play goals. Finally, we come to veteran Chris Kreider. The 2009 first-round NHL Draft pick has seven goals, eight assists, and a +/- of four.

Igor Shesterkin holds the #1 goaltender spot on this Rangers team. Shesterkin has played in 14 of New York’s 19 games and is 9-2-3. The 26-year-old has been playing excellent hockey and is largely responsible for New York’s success. Shesterkin only gives up 2.34 goals per game (eighth-least in the NHL).

The Kings' offense also struggles but their defense and goaltending present more significant problems. Los Angeles lacks quality defensemen and their #1 goaltender, Jonathan Quick, is past his prime.

The Kings are not the most exciting team and do not have any stars, but they have competent and solid players in Kevin Fiala, Trevor Moore, Gabriel Vilardi, Phillip Danault, and Anze Kopitar. Kevin Fiala has gone without a point in the last three games but had four in the three games before. The Swiss winger leads the Kings with 18 points. Trevor Moore has a stronger overall impact on the Kings but fewer points (16) than Fiala. Gabriel Vilardi is the most interesting player on this list. Vilardi’s numbers were mediocre last year, but he leads the Kings with ten goals this year. With that being said, he is in a slump right now and has gone pointless in his last six games. Phillip Danault is coming off a one-goal, one-assist and has 15 points on the season. Anze Kopitar is only on this list because he is the captain. Statistically, the veteran brings the least value, but his leadership is instrumental for this Kings team.

Goaltender Jonathan Quick gets the nod in most games for the Kings. He has had some solid performances, but his overall numbers are problematic. Quick gives up 3.15 goals per game (37th-least in the league).

The Rangers have a significantly better defense and have been playing better in the last couple of games, so they will win this road battle. 

Why Might the New York Rangers Win?

The New York Rangers are the favorites but will only win if they score the first goal and draw penalties.

The Rangers have scored the first goal in their last five victories. That trend needs to continue tonight. If they strike first, they will quiet the home crowd and push momentum in their favor.

The Rangers’ offense needs has been weak, but their power play unit has been quite effective. New York is converting over 23% of their power play opportunities, and over 28% of their goals have come with a man advantage. The Rangers need to draw penalties to give themselves scoring opportunities.

Why Might the Los Angeles Kings Win?

The Los Angeles Kings are the underdogs but will win if they come out aggressively and get second-chance shots.

The Kings have a home-ice advantage and need to utilize that by getting the crowd on their side. They can do that by laying out big hits and playing tough defense early on. The crowd’s involvement may make or break this game for Los Angeles.

The Kings will likely face Igor Shesterkin in the net for the Rangers. Shesterkin saved 22 of 23 shots in his last appearance and is having an outstanding season. Since that is the case, the Kings' wingers need to rush the net and look for second-chance opportunities. 

Rangers Key Players: (LW) Artemi Panarin

Artemi Panarin is an incredibly talented player, but he has made some questionable decisions this year. Panarin may have 22 points, but he also has a +/- of -9. He needs to play smarter hockey today.

Kings Key Player: (C) Gabriel Vilardi

Gabriel Vilardi was off to a hot start but has fizzled out recently. The center scored eight goals in October but has only scored two in November. Vilardi must regain his groove today and find the back of the net.

How to Watch New York Rangers vs Los Angeles Kings

• What - New York Rangers vs Los Angeles Kings 

• Where - Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

• When - Tuesday, November 22, 10:30 PM EST

• How to Watch - NHLPP, ESPN+