Los Angeles (32-20-9) at Vegas (38-18-6)
- When: Mar 9 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- TV: FDSW
Los Angeles Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights Betting Preview
Moneyline: Vegas -180 | Total: 5.5
The Vegas Golden Knights are riding high after a dominant stretch, looking to extend their momentum when they host the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday night. Meanwhile, the Kings snapped a five-game skid in their last outing and will try to build off that win to keep their playoff hopes alive. With both teams in vastly different form, this Pacific Division clash carries heavy playoff implications.
Vegas Golden Knights
Red-Hot Form and a Playoff Push
Vegas has found its stride after a brutal midseason slump, going 7-1-0 in their last eight games. The Golden Knights struggled from Jan. 9 to Feb. 4, posting just three wins in 14 games (3-8-3). However, since breaking a four-game losing streak on Feb. 6, they have completely turned things around.
Their latest performance was a 4-0 shutout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday, marking the third time in their last four games they’ve allowed one goal or fewer. Their defense has tightened up significantly, outscoring opponents 30-17 over the last eight games.
One key player in their resurgence has been Tomas Hertl, who has recorded eight points (four goals, four assists) in his last eight games. The 31-year-old forward continues to be an offensive catalyst for Vegas, consistently creating scoring chances.
Goaltending has also been solid for the Golden Knights, despite Ilya Samsonov struggling in two of his recent starts. He rebounded nicely in the win over Pittsburgh and is expected to get the nod against the Kings.
Vegas has a score to settle in this matchup, as their lone loss in the last month came against Los Angeles on Feb. 24, when they blew a 2-1 lead in the third period and lost 5-2. That result tightened the division race at the time, but Vegas has since pulled nine points clear of the Kings.
If they want to extend their winning streak, they’ll need to clean up their play in the third period and maintain their defensive discipline.
Los Angeles Kings
Trying to Rebound in a Crucial Stretch
The Kings are still in the thick of the playoff hunt, but they have struggled to find consistency, dropping five straight games (0-3-2) before snapping that skid with a 2-1 OT win over St. Louis on Saturday.
That victory was critical for Los Angeles, as it helped them maintain a three-point lead over Calgary for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. However, they need to build off that momentum to solidify their playoff standing.
The Kings’ recent issues have stemmed from their offensive struggles, scoring just 11 goals in their last six games. They generated only two shots on goal in the first period against St. Louis, but rebounded with 20 shots in the final two periods to force overtime.
One bright spot has been Quinton Byfield, who has now scored in back-to-back games after enduring a 12-game goal drought. His game-winner in overtime against the Blues was a reminder of his offensive upside. If he continues to step up, it could give the Kings a much-needed boost.
Los Angeles will also be looking for a repeat performance against Vegas, as their Feb. 24 victory saw them explode for four third-period goals to erase a deficit. They’ll need a similar late-game effort to compete against a Golden Knights squad that is rolling.
Betting Prediction & Props to Watch
With Vegas surging and Los Angeles still trying to stabilize, this game favors the home team.
Best Bet: Golden Knights -180 – Vegas is playing with confidence, while the Kings are still searching for offensive consistency. The Knights should control this game.
Total Play: Under 5.5 – Both teams have been playing lower-scoring games, and with goaltending improving for Vegas, this could be a tight contest.
Prop to Watch: Tomas Hertl Anytime Goal Scorer – Hertl has been on fire lately, contributing on offense almost every night. He’s a solid bet to find the net again.
Vegas should take care of business at home, but if the Kings can generate some offense, they could make things interesting in the third period once again.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
