The Nashville Predators visit the Los Angeles Kings on April 6, 2026, in a crucial Western Conference clash at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Both teams are battling for playoff positioning, with Nashville currently holding a slight edge in the standings while the Kings remain close behind. The recent meetings between these teams have produced thrilling high-scoring games, including two shootout victories for the Predators earlier this season. With elite forwards such as Filip Forsberg, Steven Stamkos, and Artemi Panarin leading the attacks, this matchup could once again deliver plenty of offensive action.

Match Details

MatchNashville Predators vs Los Angeles KingsDateApril 6, 2026Time10:30 PM ETVenueCrypto.com ArenaLocationLos Angeles, CaliforniaBroadcastESPN+, FDSNSC, FDSNSO

Western Conference Standings Snapshot

TeamPositionSituationNashville Predators8thHolding playoff positionLos Angeles Kings9thJust behind Nashville

Both teams are level on points, but Nashville hold the advantage due to more regulation wins.

Betting Odds

MarketOddsMoneylineKings -135MoneylinePredators +115Puck LineKings -1.5Total Goals5.5 – 6

Oddsmakers slightly favor the Kings due to home ice advantage.

Recent Form

Los Angeles Kings – Last 5 Games

DateOpponentResultApr 5Maple LeafsWin 7–6 (OT)Apr 3PredatorsLoss 4–5 (SO)Apr 2BluesWin 2–1Mar 29Utah MammothLoss 2–6Mar 27CanucksWin 4–0

Los Angeles have collected points in six of their last seven games but have struggled to convert those performances into regulation wins.

Nashville Predators – Last 5 Games

DateOpponentResultApr 5SharksWin 6–3Apr 3KingsWin 5–4 (SO)Mar 30LightningLoss 2–3Mar 29CanadiensLoss 1–4Mar 27DevilsLoss 2–4

Nashville recently snapped a losing streak and strengthened their playoff position with two important wins.

Head-to-Head Record

Over the last three seasons, the Predators and Kings have faced each other eight times.

TeamWinsNashville Predators5Los Angeles Kings3

Both meetings this season were decided in shootouts, with Nashville winning each game by a 5–4 scoreline.

Key Players to Watch

Los Angeles Kings

PlayerRoleArtemi PanarinTeam scoring leaderAdrian KempeLeading goal scorerAnze KopitarVeteran playmakerAlex LaferriereEmerging winger

Panarin has made a strong impact since joining the Kings and remains one of their most creative offensive players.

Nashville Predators

PlayerRoleFilip ForsbergOffensive starSteven StamkosLeading goal scorerRyan O’ReillyKey playmakerLuke EvangelistaYoung scoring threat

Forsberg and Stamkos continue to drive Nashville’s offense as the season enters its final stretch.

Projected Lineups

Nashville PredatorsLos Angeles KingsL’Heureux – O’Reilly – StamkosPanarin – Kopitar – KempeForsberg – Wood – MarchessaultMoore – Byfield – LaferriereJost – Haula – EvangelistaArmia – Laughton – WrightSchaefer – Svechkov – KemellMalott – Helenius – Ward

Defensive Pairings

Nashville PredatorsLos Angeles KingsSkjei – JosiAnderson – DoughtyWilsby – PerbixEdmundson – ClarkeOesterle – BarronDumoulin – Ceci

Goaltending Matchup

TeamGoaliesNashville PredatorsJuuse Saros / Justus AnnunenLos Angeles KingsAnton Forsberg / Darcy Kuemper

Nashville’s goaltending has been more reliable recently, while the Kings have seen inconsistent performances from Kuemper.

Also see: Kraken vs Jets Prediction – NHL 6 April 2026

Injury Report

Nashville Predators

PlayerStatusNicolas HagueDay-to-day

Los Angeles Kings

PlayerStatusAlex TurcotteInjuredAndrei KuzmenkoInjured

Key Stats Comparison

CategoryPredatorsKingsGoals Per GameAround 2.9Around 3Goals AllowedAround 2.9Over 4 recently at homeRecent FormTwo straight winsMixed results

Nashville have looked more balanced defensively in recent games.

Player Props

PlayerProp PickFilip ForsbergAnytime GoalAdrian KempeAnytime GoalSteven StamkosOver 0.5 Points

Forsberg has scored in multiple recent games and remains Nashville’s most dangerous scorer.

Also see: Blackhawks vs Sharks Prediction – NHL April 2026

Best Picks

Bet TypePickMoneylineNashville PredatorsTotal GoalsOver 5.5Player PropFilip Forsberg Anytime Goal

Recent meetings between these teams have produced high-scoring games, making the over an attractive option.

How to Watch Predators vs Kings

Fans can watch the game live on ESPN+ with puck drop scheduled for 10:30 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Final Prediction

This matchup could be one of the most important games of the night in the Western Conference playoff race. Nashville have shown resilience recently and have already beaten the Kings twice this season. Meanwhile, Los Angeles have improved offensively but continue to struggle defensively at times.

If Nashville’s veteran core of Forsberg, Stamkos, and O’Reilly continues producing offense, the Predators could take another crucial win.

Predicted Score:
Nashville Predators 4 – Los Angeles Kings 3