Kings vs Ducks Prediction NHL Picks Free 4/13

© Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview: Kings vs Ducks

The Los Angeles Kings will face the Anaheim Ducks on April 13th, 2023, in a Pacific Division matchup. The Ducks will look to end their 12-game losing streak and improve their record of 23-45-12, while the Kings are hoping to maintain their momentum to secure a playoff spot with a 46-25-10 record. According to NHL picks experts, the Kings are favored to win with their solid performance in Pacific Division games, winning 14 out of 25. However, the Ducks cannot be underestimated, and NHL picks computer simulations predict a close game. NHL picks em predictions also suggest that the Kings will come out on top, but the Ducks could provide a challenge, especially with the strong performances of Trevor Zegras and Frank Vatrano. NHL experts picks for today point towards the Kings, but their injury concerns, with Gabriel Vilardi's day-to-day status, could be a factor. On the other hand, the Ducks are facing several injuries, including John Gibson, Urho Vaakanainen, Jamie Drysdale, Scott Harrington, John Moore, Brock McGinn, Maxime Comtois, and Anthony Stolarz, which could weaken their defense. Looking at the nhl picks and parlay options, it may be worth considering the Kings with the spread, as the Ducks have struggled with penalties and scoring this season, with a -126 scoring differential. Overall, the nhl predictions today point towards a Kings victory, but with the Ducks' potential to upset and the Kings' injury concerns, it could be a tighter game than expected. Either way, it's sure to be an exciting matchup between these Pacific Division rivals.

Kings: Offensive Analysis

The Kings will come into this game as heavy favorites against the struggling Ducks. They have a solid offensive unit that can put up points against any team in the league. Anze Kopitar is having a fantastic season with 27 goals and 45 assists, and Viktor Arvidsson has been on fire lately with six goals and two assists in his last ten games. The Kings have a strong power play that will look to take advantage of the Ducks' struggling penalty kill. They have a 20-10-3 record in games where their opponents serve more penalty minutes, and they will look to add to that total in this game. The Ducks have allowed 327 goals this season, which is the most in the league. This provides an excellent opportunity for Kings' offensive players to put up points and have a big game. They will look to take advantage of Anaheim's struggles and put them away early in the game. Overall, the Kings look like a strong offensive unit that should be able to put up points against the struggling Ducks. NHL picks experts and computer predictions are likely to favor the Kings in this game. Look for the Kings to take control early and never look back in this one.

Kings: Defensive Analysis

The Kings have been solid defensively this season, allowing an average of only 2.3 goals per game. They have been especially strong on the penalty kill, with a success rate of 82.6%, which is the sixth-best in the league. The Kings' defensive success can be attributed to their strong goaltending and disciplined defensive play. The Kings' goaltending has been excellent this season, with Jonathan Quick and Cal Petersen both posting strong numbers. Quick has a goals-against average of 2.33 and a save percentage of .916, while Petersen has a GAA of 2.40 and a save percentage of .921. Their strong play has helped to keep the Kings in many close games this season. In addition to their goaltending, the Kings have been disciplined defensively, limiting the number of quality scoring chances that their opponents get. They have allowed an average of only 29.5 shots per game, which is the fourth-best in the league. The Kings have also been physical defensively, ranking third in the league in hits per game with an average of 31.4. Against the struggling Ducks, the Kings' strong defensive play should give them a significant advantage. The Ducks have struggled to score goals all season, averaging only 2.1 per game, and their power play has been one of the worst in the league. If the Kings can continue their disciplined defensive play and limit the Ducks' scoring chances, they should be able to come away with a comfortable win. In conclusion, based on the Kings' defensive prowess, NHL picks experts and computer algorithms alike are more likely to predict a Kings victory. The best NHL bets today should consider the Kings defense as a significant factor in enhancing their chances of a win. The Kings look poised to come away with a victory in this matchup, based on their strong defensive play throughout the season.

Ducks: Offensive Analysis

The Anaheim Ducks have been struggling on offense, particularly during their 12-game losing streak. Their overall record of 23-45-12 with a -126 scoring differential reflects their difficulties in finding the back of the net, with only 201 goals scored in the season so far. Expert NHL picks from computer algorithms and analysts are unlikely to favor the Ducks in their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings have a much better record of 46-25-10 and a strong presence in Pacific Division games. Although Trevor Zegras has scored 22 goals with 40 assists, the rest of the Ducks' offense has not been able to keep up with the rest of the league. The team has averaged only 2.2 goals in their last 10 games, with a number of players out due to injury. In contrast, the Kings have a top performer in Anze Kopitar, who has scored 27 goals with 45 assists. Viktor Arvidsson has also been making significant contributions to the Kings' offense with six goals and two assists in the past 10 games. NHL experts picks today are likely to give a significant advantage to the Kings, especially given the Ducks' recent struggles. Even with home-ice advantage, it will be a tough game for Anaheim's offense to compete against Los Angeles' skilled players. Overall, the Ducks' offensive struggles are likely to continue in their upcoming game against the Kings. NHL picks and parlays are likely to favor the Kings, and the Ducks will need to work hard to break out of their current losing streak.

Ducks: Defensive Analysis

The Anaheim Ducks have struggled mightily this season, especially on the defensive end. They have allowed a whopping 327 goals while scoring only 201, resulting in a -126 scoring differential. However, they will look to put an end to their 12-game losing streak when they take on the Los Angeles Kings. One area that the Ducks must improve upon is their penalty killing. They have given up 59 power-play goals, which is the fourth-most in the league. The Kings, on the other hand, have a 20-10-3 record in games where their opponents serve more penalty minutes. If the Ducks cannot avoid taking penalties, they could be in for a long night. Another key for the Ducks is their goaltending. John Gibson, the team's starting netminder, is listed as day-to-day with an illness. If he is unable to play, the Ducks will have to rely on Anthony Stolarz or Lukas Dostal, who have a combined record of 3-10-2 this season. Regardless of who starts in net, the Ducks' defense needs to do a better job of limiting the opposition's scoring chances. Finally, the Ducks' defense must stay disciplined and limit turnovers in their own zone. The Kings have several talented forwards, including Anze Kopitar and Viktor Arvidsson, who can capitalize on mistakes. The Ducks cannot afford to give the Kings any free scoring opportunities. Overall, the Ducks' defense will need to step up if they hope to end their losing streak against a talented Kings team. While Anaheim has struggled this season, they still have several talented players on their roster who can make a difference. NHL picks and predictions experts may not give them the edge, but with a solid defensive effort, the Ducks can certainly give the Kings a run for their money.

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with injuries heading into Thursday's game. For the Ducks, goaltender John Gibson is day-to-day with an illness, while defensemen Urho Vaakanainen and Jamie Drysdale are out with hip and shoulder injuries, respectively. Defensemen Scott Harrington and John Moore are also day-to-day with upper-body injuries, while forwards Brock McGinn and Maxime Comtois are dealing with upper-body injuries and are listed as day-to-day. Finally, goaltender Anthony Stolarz is out for the season with a lower-body injury. On the Kings side, forward Gabriel Vilardi is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Prediction

The Anaheim Ducks may be on a 12-game losing streak, but they have a good chance of ending it against the Los Angeles Kings. While the Kings have had a stronger overall season, the Ducks have played them closely in their previous two meetings, and Anaheim has the advantage of playing at home. Additionally, the Ducks have some strong offensive players, like Trevor Zegras and Frank Vatrano, who could help spark a turnaround. The Kings have their own formidable offensive duo in Anze Kopitar and Viktor Arvidsson, but they may struggle against the Ducks' defense. Overall, the Ducks' losing streak has to end eventually, and this could be the night they turn things around. So, our NHL picks experts are predicting the Ducks to win this game and finally end their losing streak. 

Pick: Ducks (Moneyline)