


The Golden Knights return to Las Vegas after suffering their first regulation loss of the season to a far inferior Anaheim Ducks, who scored four unanswered goals in the third period to run away with the victory.
Vegas outshot Anaheim and had double the amount of power play opportunities, but sometimes, that’s just hockey.
It was the first glimmer of goaltending troubles we have seen from Vegas as Logan Thompson gave up three goals on 22 shots against.
The NHL’s hottest team now pivots back to Adin Hill in net for Wednesday’s nightcap against the Los Angeles Kings.
That isn’t to say that Thompson has been a weak link in a goaltending platoon that carries a top-three goals against average (2.15) and save percentage (.929), but Hill assumes the cage having allowed only 10 goals through six games at home this season.
In fact, both he and Thompson have saved over six goals above expected each, which sits them in the top seven among all goaltenders.
The Kings are a high-powered shooting team bringing 32.6 shots per game to T-Mobile Arena.
They feature a rising, energetic core that can generate chances; Adrian Kempe, Trevor Moore, Phillip Danault and Kevin Fiala are all firing over 2.5 shots per game through 11 games.
Los Angeles is No. 5 in shot attempt differential at five-on-five.
The Kings outshot six of their last seven opponents — including a 4-3 shootout loss to Vegas at home.
Now they’re looking to complete a four-game road sweep and stay within reach of a Knights team that seemingly can do no wrong right now.
That prior meeting less than two weeks ago was riddled with scoring chances all while Vegas grants a middling 29-plus shots at home.
Hill’s saves prop is set at 28.5, which I like him to hit the over on since he’s executed accordingly the other three times his shots against have exceeded 30.
That comes with expecting the Kings to generate; I expect them to throw the kitchen sink at the Knights on Wednesday.
Hill should be on his toes to help anchor the Knights back on track in his toughest challenge to date.
The pick: Adin Hill over 28.5 saves