Golden Knights vs. Kings: Game 2 prediction

Without Drew Doughty, the Los Angeles Kings will need Jake Muzzin to lead the defense as they look to even the series with the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Los Angeles Kings will look to even up the series with the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of their quarterfinals playoff series tonight in Vegas.

The Kings will be without former Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Drew Doughty. Doughty was suspended by the NHL after Game 1 for a hit on Will Carrier late in the third period that resulted in Carrier having to leave the ice and not return to the game, which Vegas eventually won 1-0 for its first-ever playoff win.

Looking ahead to Game 2, hockey fans who don’t normally watch the Kings play are going to learn the name Jake Muzzin tonight. Without Doughty on the blue line and after sitting out the first game, he will be counted on tonight to be the leader on defense for this Kings team. Muzzin has offensive prowess and the ability to put the puck in the net, he’s but he’s also a rugged defender.

The Golden Knights find themselves in an enviable position — all they have to do is just play the way that they did in the first game and they should have a chance to win Game 2 of the series. The Kings must have a great game from their first line featuring Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Alex Iaffalo. If they are to get back in this series, Jeff Carter will need to be a factor.

Expect the Kings to come out fired up after being embarrassed by their slow play and sloppy performance in Game 1. They will play a solid game on both ends of the ice and more than likely they’ll put a puck or two in the net. At the end of the day, I see the Golden Knights winning this game, but it should be a close game throughout and more than likely involve an empty-net goal at the end, giving the Knights Game 2 4-2 for a commanding lead in this best of seven series. 

Prediction: Golden Knights defeat Kings 4-2

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