The New York Rangers are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Kings tonight at 10:30 PM EST at Crypto.com Arena. This game marks the beginning of their annual California swing, as the Rangers aim to solidify their playoff hopes in the Eastern Conference.
After ending a three-game losing streak with a 5-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, March 22, 2025, the Rangers (34-31-6) are tied for ninth in the Eastern Conference with the New York Islanders. They are just one point behind the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild card spot. The Rangers managed to pull off a surprising win against the Canucks despite being outshot 39-12, with standout goaltender Igor Shesterkin playing a pivotal role in the victory.
Projected Lineup for the Rangers:
Forwards: Alexis Lafrenière - J.T. Miller - Jonny Brodzinski
Artemi Panarin - Vincent Trocheck - Brennan Othmann
Chris Kreider - Mika Zibanejad - Will Cuylle
Brett Berard - Juuso Parssinen - Matt Rempe
Defensemen: K’Andre Miller - Will Borgen
Carson Soucy - Adam Fox
Zac Jones - Braden Schneider
Goaltenders: Igor Shesterkin
Jonathan Quick
On the other hand, the Kings (39-21-9) are riding high, having won eight of their last nine games. They are currently tied for second in the Pacific Division with the Edmonton Oilers and are just five points behind the first-place Vegas Golden Knights. The Kings are also looking to extend their franchise record of 13 straight home games with at least a point. They recently dominated the Boston Bruins with a 7-2 win, showcasing their offensive depth.
Despite their recent success, the Kings will need to be cautious against the Rangers, who lead the league in short-handed goals with 14. Chris Kreider has the most short-handed goals for the Rangers, contributing four to the team’s total.
The Kings have been particularly stingy defensively, allowing just 2.52 goals per game, which ranks second in the NHL. Their goaltender, Darcy Kuemper, has been exceptional this season, posting a 2.13 goals-against average and a record of 24-9-7 in 41 starts. The Kings are known for their ability to prevent high-danger scoring chances, making this matchup a challenging one for the Rangers.
As the Rangers prepare for this significant game, they are hoping to build on their recent victory. The team has shown resilience, but with only 11 games left in the season, every point is critical. The Rangers will need to capitalize on their power play opportunities while being cautious of the Kings' defensive prowess.
In terms of betting, the Kings are favored at -165 according to Caesars Sportsbook, reflecting their strong home performance and recent form. Bettors looking to wager on the game can use the promo code POSTNEWSBG1, which offers $150 in bonus bets for those who bet at least $1.
For Chris Kreider, the matchup holds additional significance. His anytime goalscorer odds are set at +360, indicating a potential payout for those who believe he can find the back of the net tonight. This season, Kreider has scored in 17 of 57 games, though he has yet to score against the Kings in their previous encounter this season.
As the Rangers look to seize this opportunity, they will need to address their recent shooting struggles. In their last game against Vancouver, they managed just one shot on goal in the first period, a statistic that highlights the need for improvement in their offensive execution.
Additionally, the Kings are dealing with injury concerns, as Trevor Moore was sidelined with an upper-body injury. His status remains uncertain, but if he is unable to play, Trevor Lewis is expected to step in, having recently returned from injury himself.
With the stakes high and both teams eager for a win, tonight's game promises to be a thrilling contest. The Rangers aim to continue their momentum and keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Kings look to maintain their dominance at home and further solidify their position in the standings.
In summary, the matchup between the Rangers and Kings is not just another game on the schedule; it’s a pivotal moment in the season for both teams. Fans can expect an intense battle as both squads vie for crucial points in the playoff race.
