The NHL season resumes on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with the Vegas Golden Knights facing the LA Kings at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This game will begin at 10:00 PM Eastern Time and will be available to watch live on ESPN+.
Recent Head-to-Head Performance Between Teams
The Golden Knights lead their rivalry with the Kings, having won 30 of their 55 total matchups. Notably, Vegas has been especially successful on the road, claiming victory in 62% of their games at LA. The Golden Knights also won the last two games played against the Kings, adding to their confidence heading into this matchup.
Season Context and Team Momentum
Head coach Bruce Cassidy enters this game with high confidence following a solid start to the season, positioning the Golden Knights well for a playoff berth in 2025-26. Vegas currently holds a 27-16-14 record and leads the Pacific Division, having secured two consecutive wins before the NHL went on break for the Winter Olympics.
Several key players for Vegas come off strong performances in the Olympics, including Jack Eichel, the team’s leading scorer with 68 points so far this season. His and his teammates’ international success is likely to boost their morale going forward.
The Kings, in contrast, have struggled recently. With a record of 23-19-14, they enter the restart after dropping their last three games before the Olympic break. As the home team, pressure is mounting, especially since LA has lost eleven of its 26 games at Crypto.com Arena in regulation this season.
Adrian Kempe stands out for the Kings, leading the team in goals, assists, and overall points. Despite his individual success, the team’s inconsistent recent form has created challenges for head coach Jim Hiller as they look to turn the tide.
Predictions and Betting Insights
The Kings’ slump this year has been significant, but the Olympic break might offer them a chance to regroup. Nevertheless, the Golden Knights remain the favored side due to their strong divisional performance and recent dominance over LA.
For those considering picks, the recommendation is to back the Vegas Golden Knights to continue their winning ways in this matchup.
Free Pick: Vegas Golden Knights
