The Los Angeles Kings saw their win streak come to an end on Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils. They will look to start a new win streak on Saturday against the New York Rangers as they continue through their seven-game road trip.
After the Rangers won five of their first six games to start the season, they have been one of the worst teams in the NHL. They have won only three of their last 11 games but are coming off a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres.
If the Kings are able to start a new win streak, they likely will have to do it against arguably the best goalie the Los Angeles Kings have had in Jonathan Quick. He has started almost every third game for the Rangers and Igor Shesterkin just started the last two. If this rotation holds true then Quick will start on Saturday. He has had two previous starts against the Kings and is 1-1 with a save percentage of .247 and a goals against average of 1.52.
Key to the Game: Get off to a fast start
The key in this game for the Los Angeles Kings is going to be getting out to an early lead. They will need to put the game against the Devils behind them and not let that linger or carry over into this game.
While the Kings are 11-3-3 in games where they score first, they are 7-1-2 if they are leading after the first period. Meanwhile, the Rangers have really struggled if they let their opponents get an early lead as they are 3-10-1 when their opponent scores first and 1-7 if they are trailing after one.
Prediction: Los Angeles Kings 4, New York Rangers 1
The game against the Devils was going to be a good test for the Los Angeles Kings in terms of where they rank among some of the best in the league. It was a close game and the Kings did a lot of good things even though they didn't get the win.
This game might be a better test for the Kings because their issue hasn't been playing the good teams well but struggling against teams they should beat. The Kings should try to make a statement and come out fast and build an early lead.
While Jonathan Quick was one of the best goalies the Kings ever had, he has allowed eight goals in his last two starts. This is a winnable game and can be somewhat of a statement game, that the Kings capture and come away with a 4-1 victory.