NHL February 1, 2026

The Hurricanes are absolutely rolling right now, and they get a Kings team that has been inconsistent on the road. Carolina at 33-15-6 sits atop the Metropolitan Division and has been dominant at Lenovo Center, posting a 19-5-3 home record this season. Their underlying numbers are even more impressive, with a plus-42 goal differential that ranks among the best in the NHL. Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov have been carrying the offensive load, and the Hurricanes' system under Rod Brind'Amour continues to churn out wins with remarkable efficiency.

Los Angeles at 23-17-13 has been a puzzling team to figure out. They've collected enough loser points to stay relevant in the Pacific Division race, but their inability to close out games has been frustrating. The Kings are just 11-10-7 on the road, and they've struggled particularly against elite teams. Darcy Kuemper is expected to get the call in net for LA, and while he's been solid, he'll need to be spectacular to keep the Kings in this game against Carolina's relentless forecheck.

The Hurricanes have won 4 of their last 5 at home, and their penalty kill ranks in the top five leaguewide at 84.2%. Carolina's ability to control pace of play and transition quickly from defense to offense makes them a nightmare matchup for a Kings team that prefers to play a slower, more methodical game. Frederik Andersen has been steady between the pipes for the Canes, posting a .912 save percentage and providing the reliable netminding this team needs in tight games.

The 5.5 total reflects the defensive capabilities both teams possess, but Carolina's offensive firepower at home suggests this game could see some scoring. The Hurricanes have gone over in 33 of 54 games this season when the total is set at 5.5. Expect Carolina to control this game from the opening faceoff, using their speed and structure to dictate terms against a Kings team that will struggle to keep up.

The nightcap features a struggling Vegas team visiting an Anaheim squad that has been surprisingly competitive this season. The Golden Knights at 25-15-14 are in the midst of a four-game losing streak, and their inconsistency has been maddening for a team with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations. Vegas has collected plenty of loser points, but their inability to close out games in regulation has dropped them in the Pacific Division standings. Mitch Marner, acquired from his former city in July 2025, has provided the playmaking boost they needed, but the team's defensive structure has been leaky.

Anaheim at 28-23-3 has been one of the pleasant surprises of the season. The Ducks are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games, averaging 2.8 goals while allowing just 2.3 per contest. Their young core continues to develop, and the infusion of talent through the draft is finally paying dividends. The Ducks won the previous meeting between these teams 4-3 in overtime, proving they can compete with Vegas when their game is on point. Playing at home in the Honda Center, where they're 16-9-1 this season, gives Anaheim a legitimate shot at the upset.

The 6.5 total is the highest on Sunday's NHL board, reflecting the offensive capabilities of both teams and their defensive inconsistencies. Vegas has gone over 6.5 goals in 28 of 54 games this season, while Anaheim has seen this number eclipse in 34 of 54 games. Both teams can score, and both teams can be scored upon. This should be an entertaining, back-and-forth affair that could easily see 7 or 8 goals.

The Golden Knights are slight road favorites at -120, but that line feels tight given their recent struggles and Anaheim's home form. Vegas needs to snap out of this funk quickly to maintain their playoff positioning, but the Ducks won't make it easy. Expect a track meet that goes down to the final minutes, with special teams potentially deciding the outcome.