Los Angeles vs Nashville Prediction 7 April 2026
🔊 The marquee matchup of the day in the National Hockey League. The eighth and ninth teams in the Western Conference will clash to determine whose playoff hopes might become precarious. To make a well-founded prediction for this regular season encounter, let's delve into the statistical trends and head-to-head history of these clubs in recent years.
Head-to-Head
📊 Over the past three seasons, Los Angeles and Nashville have faced off eight times: the Kings have claimed victory in three games, while the Predators have won five. Interestingly, the last four head-to-head matchups between these teams have gone beyond regulation time, including both games this season, which Nashville won in shootouts (both times 5-4 SO).
Head-to-head statistics Los Angeles - Nashville
Los Angeles Kings Team Overview
The Kings have picked up points in 6 of their last 7 games, although wins have been hard to come by for the California team since the Olympic break, with just eight victories in 20 matches. Recently, Los Angeles delivered one of their highest-scoring games of the season, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 7-6 in overtime. The Kings are currently ninth in the Western Conference standings, trailing Nashville for a playoff spot only due to fewer regulation wins.
At home, D.J. Smith's squad has earned points in each of their last three games. Since the season resumed, the Kings have secured just four home victories (33.3%), collecting points in half of their matches. Their scoring at Crypto.com Arena during this stretch averages 3.00 goals per game (7th in the conference) while allowing 4.08 goals (14th in the conference).
After the regular season concludes, forward Andrei Kuzmenko is expected to return to the Kings' lineup, while injured Kevin Fiala is anticipated to return next season.
Match Results: Los Angeles Kings
Nashville Predators Team Overview
With victories over the Kings (5-4 SO) and San Jose Sharks (6-3), Nashville ended their three-game losing streak and solidified their position in eighth place in the Western Conference. The Predators lead their nearest rivals in regulation wins (26 to 19) despite being level on points.
On the road, Andrew Brunette's squad has won 4 of their last 5 games, with three of those victories coming beyond regulation time. Since the Olympic break, Nashville have won 45.5% of their away games, securing points in 63.6% of them. Away from home, the Predators average 2.91 goals per game (11th in the conference) and concede 2.91 as well (7th in the conference).
The injury sustained by defenseman Nicolas Hague in the previous game turned out to be minor. He is expected to return for the upcoming matchup against the Kings.
Match Results: Nashville Predators
⚡️ Leaders
The primary scorer for the Kings is Artemi Panarin. After his trade to Los Angeles, the Russian is on the verge of rewriting the club's history. Panarin has tallied 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists) in 20 games for the team, marking one of the franchise's top performances. Overall, the forward has accumulated 80 points (27 goals, 53 assists) this season, placing him in the league's top 20 scorers. Adrian Kempe, with 32 goals, stands as the Kings' leading goal scorer. The Swede is currently on a five-game scoring streak.
In Nashville, Filip Forsberg (37 goals, 34 assists) and Ryan O'Reilly (25 goals, 44 assists) are vying for the title of the Predators' top scorer in the regular season. Steven Stamkos remains the team's leading goal scorer with 38 goals this season. Forsberg has found the back of the net in each of his last three outings.
🥅 Goaltenders
Since the season resumed, Darcy Kuemper has been between the pipes for most of the Kings' games. The Canadian has played 13 games during this stretch with a save percentage of just 87.0% and a goals-against average of 3.23. He has allowed at least four goals per game in three consecutive matches. His backup, Anton Forsberg, has posted more effective numbers with a 90.0% save percentage and a 3.20 GAA over nine games.
The Predators' goaltending has been much more stable. Juuse Saros posted a 90.1% save percentage and a 2.95 GAA in 12 games from February to April. The Finnish goalie has conceded at least three goals in six of his last seven outings. Justus Annunen has played seven games since the break, boasting a 92.6% save percentage and a 2.18 GAA. He has allowed three goals in each of his last two games.
Editorial Prediction
It's an interesting pattern-bookmakers are once again expecting a high-scoring hockey game from these teams. However, historically, at least once each season, the teams have played a head-to-head game that was far from high-scoring. In each of the last 15 seasons, Los Angeles and Nashville have had at least one match with no more than five goals scored. Considering both games in the current regular season have been goal-fests (with eight goals in regulation time), we'll trust historical trends and confidently go for under 6 total goals in the game.
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