Thu Feb 26 03:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Golden Knights Face Kings in Post-Olympic Return, Key Players Absent

The Story:
The Los Angeles Kings are set to host the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, February 25th at Crypto.com Arena. This game marks the Golden Knights’ return to NHL play following the Olympic break. While the matchup features notable players like Adrian Kempe and Mark Stone, key Golden Knights players Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin will be absent from the lineup. The article includes betting odds and expert picks, favoring the Kings slightly.

Key Points:

  • The Los Angeles Kings will play the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, February 25th at Crypto.com Arena at 10 p.m. ET.
  • Adrian Kempe (Kings) and Mark Stone (Golden Knights) are highlighted as key players to watch.
  • The article provides betting information, including ATS pick (Golden Knights +1.5), O/U pick (Over 5.5), and a score prediction of Kings 4 – Golden Knights 3.
  • Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin will miss the Golden Knights’ first game back from the Olympic break.
  • The Golden Knights are returning from a 5-day break from the Olympic gold-medal game.

Critical Analysis:
The timing of this game immediately following the Olympic break is significant. The absence of Eichel and Hanifin suggests potential fatigue, injuries sustained during the Olympics, or strategic decisions to rest key players. The betting odds reflect this uncertainty, with a slight edge given to the Kings, likely influenced by the Golden Knights’ missing players.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Golden Knights’ performance in their first game back from the Olympic break will be heavily influenced by the absence of key players Eichel and Hanifin.
  • The Kings have a slight advantage due to the Golden Knights’ missing players and potential post-Olympic fatigue.
  • The betting odds suggest a close game, with a high likelihood of exceeding the total goals Over/Under.
  • The Olympic break has clearly impacted team rosters and pre-game strategies.

Impact Analysis:
The outcome of this game could set the tone for both teams as they resume their NHL seasons. For the Golden Knights, managing player fatigue and injuries sustained during the Olympics will be crucial. For the Kings, capitalizing on the Golden Knights’ weakened state could provide a significant boost in the standings. The absence of key players highlights the challenges of integrating international tournaments into the NHL schedule.

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