Defense and goaltending has been a winning formula for both the Canucks and the Kings of late, and bettors should expect this head-to-head to fall below the total as a result, continuing a longstanding trend between these teams.

Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in.