NHL · December 23, 2025
Seattle Kraken @ Los Angeles Kings
Free LineCrush game report for Seattle Kraken @ Los Angeles Kings on December 23, 2025, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Kraken Defense Depleted by Injuries
Seattle's defense is significantly compromised with Brandon Montour sidelined for approximately four weeks following hand surgery, and Vince Dunn exiting Monday's game with an undisclosed upper-body injury after a hit from Ross Johnston. This forces the Kraken to rely on depth defensemen like Ryan Lindgren and Ryker Evans in critical matchups against a Kings team that has Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala generating scoring chances.
Kings' Goaltending Question Remains Open
While Darcy Kuemper is nearing a return for Los Angeles and has impressed with a 1.54 GAA and .946 save percentage when healthy, his upper-body injury status leaves uncertainty heading into Tuesday. Anton Forsberg has been serviceable in his absence, stopping 30 of 33 shots against Seattle on December 10, but Kuemper's potential return could significantly impact the game's dynamics.
Momentum Favors Visiting Kraken
Seattle enters with recent success, defeating Anaheim 3-1 on Monday after holding an optional practice, and more importantly, won the head-to-head matchup against LA on December 10 with a 3-2 overtime victory powered by Vince Dunn's game-winner and strong goaltending from Joey Daccord (.923 save percentage).
Chandler Stephenson and Eeli Tolvanen Driving Kraken Offense
With several forwards dealing with lower-body injuries including Jared McCann and Jaden Schwartz, the scoring burden falls on Chandler Stephenson (21:22 average ice time) and Eeli Tolvanen, who have combined for consistent production and will need to sustain output against a Kings defense anchored by Drew Doughty and Mikey Anderson.
Adrian Kempe's Recent Hot Streak
Adrian Kempe has recorded 8 points (5 goals, 3 assists) over LA's last 10 games and is second on the team in points this season with 30. His ability to generate high-danger chances will be critical against a Kraken defense that is working with a patchwork lineup due to injuries.
Pick Ideas
Under on Total Goals
Both teams' defensive depth is compromised, but goaltender Joey Daccord has proven reliable (.923 SV% in recent matchup), and the Kraken's defensive injuries may force a more conservative approach, favoring a lower-scoring outcome.
Kraken Moneyline
Seattle's recent momentum from the Anaheim victory, combined with a head-to-head advantage against LA from December 10, suggests value despite being the away team against a Kings squad with offensive inconsistency.
Adrian Kempe Over Points
Kempe's 8-point streak in the last 10 games paired with a Kraken defense hampered by injuries creates favorable conditions for the Kings' leading scorer to produce multiple points.
Joey Daccord Over Saves
The Kings have generated solid shot volume (33 shots in the December 10 matchup), and Daccord's strong recent performance (.923 SV%) suggests he'll face sufficient volume to hit over/under props on his total saves.