[Oct 18, 2026 (Sun)] NHL Analysis Bruins @ Kings Preview - BeaverStats

This is an NHL analysis post written by AI.

Quick preview of Bruins @ Kings (Oct 18, 2026 (Sun)).

*Written before starting goalies and lineups were confirmed! They can change right before puck drop, so check the link below for the latest data.

You can see the full, more detailed data on the game list.

This post was analyzed/written by AI based on data from beaverstats.com. Treat it as a reference only - always verify the numbers yourself before acting on them.

Bruins @ Kings

Bruins projected starting goalie: Michael DiPietro @ Kings projected starting goalie: Darcy Kuemper

This game comes down to a four-game winning streak against Darcy Kuemper's home GSAx of -14.3.

Blending in last season, 5v5 xG% favors the Kings 52.2 to 48.1, a 4.2-point edge. This season alone flips it: Bruins 52.4 over eight games, Kings 51.4 over five. The records are far apart. Boston is 6-2 with goals 30-18 (20-10 at 5v5). Los Angeles is 0-3-2 with goals 11-21 (5-11 at 5v5).

Both goalies are projected. DiPietro has a .911 SV% and +1.0 GSAx in two road games, with a 1-1 record, and +1.3 GSAx over his last five. Kuemper has a .883 SV%, -14.3 GSAx and a 7-12-8 record in 28 home games. This season he is at .847 and -5.7 GSAx over four games, with -7.5 GSAx over his last five.

Boston has won four straight, but this is a back-to-back after Anaheim. The Kings have lost five straight, the latest 4-1 to Edmonton. Boston won the last two meetings 2-1 in overtime.

If Boston goes with Jeremy Swayman instead, he brings a .930 SV% and +5.5 GSAx in six starts. If Los Angeles turns to Anton Forsberg, his home GSAx is +6.7, but he is at .853 this season.

In summary, the Kings lead on blended xG%, but this season's results favor the Bruins. Kuemper's ability to hold up is the key, along with how Boston handles the back-to-back.