Ottawa Senators face Los Angeles Kings in a crucial matchup after dropping 2 straight games. The Kings come in as -150 favorites to win. This rematch features LA’s elite defense against Ottawa’s scoring core. The game tips off Monday, Nov. 24 at Crypto.com Arena.
🔥 Quick Facts:
LA Kings hold 30-16-2 all-time record against Ottawa.
Kings currently on 2-game win streak against Senators.
Ottawa enters at 8-5-4 record; Kings sit 10-6-5.
Betting line: Kings -150 | Senators +130 moneyline.
LA’s penalty kill ranks among NHL’s best this season.
Head-to-Head Record & Recent Meetings
LA owns a commanding advantage. The Kings have won 3 of 5 matchups recently. Their 1-0 victory over Ottawa on Nov. 15 showcased their defensive prowess. Anton Forsberg was stellar that night. Ottawa’s roster has struggled against LA’s shutdown approach historically.
This team combination tells a clear story. Ottawa tends to fall flat against elite defensive clubs. LA’s system limits scoring chances effectively. The Senators’ power play hasn’t penetrated LA defenses with regularity. Experience favors the Kings tremendously in this specific matchup.
Statistic
Ottawa
LA Kings
Last 5 Games (W-L)
2-3
3-2
Record vs Each Other (All-Time)
16-30-2
30-16-2
Recent Streak vs Opponent
Loss Streak
2-Game Win
Goals Per Game (Avg)
2.6
2.8
Goals Against (Avg)
2.4
2.1
Current Form Analysis: Both Teams’ Last Five Games
Ottawa’s recent stretch shows inconsistency. They won 3-2 against Anaheim on Nov. 20. Then lost 1-0 to LA five days earlier. Most recently, they edged San Jose 3-2 on Nov. 22. Still, two losses have plagued their momentum.
LA Kings enter with better rhythm. They beat San Jose in shootout action. Their six-game road trip produced 4-2 record overall. The return home against Senators couldn’t come at better time. Kopitar’s leadership shows in close contests consistently.
Critically, Ottawa hasn’t won at LA’s building recently. Home-ice advantage matters significantly here. The Kings’ familiarity with Crypto.com Arena provides edge. Plus, travel fatigue could catch Senators defensively.
Key Players & Tactical Matchups
Tim Stützle leads Ottawa’s offensive charge. He’s notched 9 goals already. Brady Tkachuk provides secondary scoring punch. However, both face stiff LA defensive schemes routinely. Forsberg has been exceptional in net recently. LA’s Drew Doughty anchors a stellar blue line. Plus, Quinton Byfield brings youth and pace.
Anze Kopitar anchors LA’s second line brilliantly. Joel Armia provides depth scoring. Kevin Fiala adds pace on the perimeter. The Kings boast balanced, multi-line attack. Ottawa relies more on star power alone. Depth advantage clearly swings toward LA.
Player
Team
Goals
Assists
Points
Tim Stützle (OTT)
Senators
9
12
21
Brady Tkachuk (OTT)
Senators
7
9
16
Anze Kopitar (LAK)
Kings
8
14
22
Kevin Fiala (LAK)
Kings
6
10
16
La’s Defensive Dominance: Why The Kings Enter As Favorites
This is where LA wins games. Their defensive shell remains impenetrable. Statistics favor the Kings tremendously on defense. Goals against hover around 2.1 per contest. Plus, their penalty kill stays elite.
And here’s the thing: Ottawa hasn’t solved this puzzle. The Senators’ power play struggles against LA’s structure. Breaking down Kings defenses requires patience and precision. Ottawa lacks that finesse currently. LA knows exactly how to shut down Stützle and company.
Scouting reports favor LA heavily. The Kings employ zone coverage brilliantly. They suffocate perimeter play relentlessly. Plus, Forsberg’s heroics in net can’t compete consistently. LA’s goaltending provides equal solidity. That balance tips scales decisively.
Prediction & What To Watch?
Oddsmakers have LA at -150 moneyline. FanDuel projects Kings victory at 63.2% probability. Statistical analysis suggests Kings 3, Senators 1 final. Their home dominance and defensive excellence prove too much.
Watch Kopitar’s play-making around low-slot areas.
Monitor Stützle’s opportunities in transition games.
Track LA’s penalty kill if Senators get powerplays.
Notice home-ice advantage impact on tempo.
Key: First-period scoring sets emotional tone.
Will Ottawa’s skid continue, or can Stützle ignite offense tonight? The Kings’ defensive strategy remains the biggest variable. Expect tight, low-scoring affair overall. LA’s experience in close games likely prevails here.
Sources
ESPN – Game preview and live scoring data
NHL.com – Official statistics and lineups
Covers.com – Betting odds and predictions
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.