The Boston Bruins roll into Los Angeles in strong form. They’re 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. But star defenseman Charlie McAvoy is out indefinitely. The Kings welcome them on Friday, Nov. 21 at 10:30 PM ET. This matchup tests Boston’s resilience without their top defender.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Bruins record: 12-10-0, unbeaten in 7 of their last 10
- Charlie McAvoy underwent facial surgery on Nov. 20 following injury
- Kings sit at 10-6-5, favored by -188 moneyline odds
- Bruins lead all-time H2H series 99-54 in regular season play
- Game location: Crypto.com Arena, broadcast on FDSNW and NESN
McAvoy’s Absence Creates Major Defensive Void
The injury news hit hard on Wednesday, Nov. 20. McAvoy underwent facial surgery after taking a puck to the face. It happened during Boston’s 3-2 victory over Montreal on Nov. 15. The 27-year-old captain took a Noah Dobson slap shot directly to his face.
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Nobody knows when he’s coming back. The Bruins announced no specific timeline. Head coach Marco Sturm confirmed McAvoy is recovering at home. So the team will lean on Hampus Lindholm and other defensive depth. Losing your top defenseman in November hurts a lot.
“McAvoy is recovering at home and there is no timeline on his return.”
The Bruins went 6-3-1 without McAvoy on the ice this season before this injury. So they know they can compete. What they don’t know is for how long.
Bruins’ Recent Form Shows Real Promise
Boston’s been playing sharp lately. That 7-3-0 record over their last 10 games shows momentum heading west. They beat Colorado not long ago (the Avalanche hadn’t lost in regulation going in). Plus they’re 22 points and tied for first in the Atlantic Division.
But some nights they struggle with checking. Without McAvoy anchoring the defense, they’ll need even tighter play. Forward depth will matter more. David Pastrnak and company need to limit shots against. The Kings will have chances, no doubt about it.
Kings Favored Against Shorthanded Bruins
Here’s what you need to know about the matchup:
| Team Stat | Bruins | Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 12-10-0 | 10-6-5 |
| Last 10 Games | 7-3-0 | TBA |
| Points in Division | Tied 1st (Atlantic) | 3rd (Pacific) |
| Moneyline Odds | +188 | -188 |
| All-Time H2H | 99-54 Series Lead | 54-99 Down |
Vegas gives the edge to LA, and for good reason. Boston’s missing their best defenseman. The Kings understand they’re dealing a weakened opponent. That advantage in crowd support matters too when things get tight.
What This Matchup Could Mean
- A Bruins win proves they can win tough games without stars.
- A Kings victory gets them closer in the playoff race.
- McAvoy’s recovery timeline becomes clearer each day passed.
- Defense will decide this one—Boston’s is compromised badly.
- Special teams could swing momentum either direction here.
Can Boston Find a Way Without McAvoy?
Here’s the real question. The Bruins have shown they can play well lately. They beat good teams. But that was with their captain healthy. Now defenseman Hampus Lindholm needs to step up massively. Role players need to chip in offensively.
The Kings come in as favorites for a reason. But Boston’s got grit. That’s always been their identity. Can they protect Jeremy Swapin in goal? Can forwards forecheck hard enough? Those questions matter more than odds right now.
Sources
- NHL.com – Team stats and injury updates as of Nov. 20-21, 2025
- ESPN – McAvoy facial injury details and recovery timeline
- Action Network – Betting odds and game prediction analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.