Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Los Angeles Kings vs San Jose Sharks. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Los Angeles Kings (11-7-3) at San Jose Sharks (6-12-5)

Head-to-Head: Kings 1-1 Sharks

Time: 10:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: ESPN+, Fanduel Sports West, NBC Sports Bay Area California

Divisional and state rivals clash in this match between the Kings and Sharks.  This will be the third game between the two teams in two months of the NHL season, and the third of four that will be played. Here is how the two teams stack up against each other.

The two teams split the prior two games, with the Kings winning the first and the Sharks winning the second. While Los Angeles is the better team right now, they have not looked completely comfortable against the Sharks in those two games. San Jose was able to mount a late comeback in the 3-2 loss against the Kings on October 24 and then stymied the Kings’ offense in the 4-2 win on October 29. Over the past two seasons, the Kings have gotten the better of the Sharks, going 4-1-1 since the start of the 2023-24 season.

Goalie Matchup

David Rittich will likely get the start for the Kings, as he should be the number one goalie since Darcy Kuemper‘s injury. Rittich has been solid thus far in the season for Los Angeles, keeping the team in games and giving them a chance to win. He has not allowed more than two goals in his last five starts. There is also a chance that Pheonix Copley gets a start following being recalled from the Ontario Reign.

For San Jose, Yaroslav Askarov should be the starter. Askarov has consistently been one of the most intriguing goalie prospects for years.  After a trade landed him in San Jose during the off-season, Askarov started the year for the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL. He received a call up and made his first start for San Jose on November 21st. He made 29 saves in a shootout loss to the St. Louis Blues.

Budding Stars

One notable difference in this game from the prior two between the teams will be the presence of Macklin Celebrini.  The number one overall pick, missed the first two games against the Kings due to injury. Celebrini has seven points in 11 games.

Also joining him will be rookie and fellow first round pick Will Smith.  The 19-year-old has played in 18 games this season.  Celebrini, Smith and Askarov will show off the young core of the Sharks.

The Kings will also have their young talent on display. Defenceman Brandt Clarke has 13 points for the Kings this season. First-round pick Alex Turcotte is finally getting his chance with the team, and Quinton Byfield looks to get hot and build on his breakout season.

Key Factors

Anze Kopitar ranks fourth all time in points scored versus the Sharks. Kopitar trails only Teemu Selanne, Joe Sakic and Mike Modano in this category.

Mikael Granlund has played very well against the Kings this year, generating many chances.  In his last 10 games against the Kings, Granlund has nine points. This year, he already has two goals scored against Los Angeles.

Prediction:

Despite the Sharks young talent, Los Angeles should get the win due to their current roster and experience.

Prediction: Kings win wins 4-2.

Main photo by: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images