Last season, the Los Angeles Kings triumphed over the San Jose Sharks in a hard-fought, seven-game series. On Thursday, both clubs open a new chapter in their rivalry, with a berth in the conference semifinal round on the line.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks Betting Preview
Series Schedule & Results
Game 1 – Thursday, April 17, 10:30 PM ET – SAP Center, San Jose
Game 2 – Sunday, April 20, 10:00 PM ET – SAP Center, San Jose
Game 3 – Tuesday, April 22, 10:00 PM ET, Staples Center, Los Angeles
Game 4 – Thursday, April 24, 10:30 PM ET, Staples Center, Los Angeles
Game 5 (if necessary) – Saturday, April 26, TBD, SAP Center, San Jose
Game 6 (if necessary) – Monday, April 28, TBD, Staples Center, Los Angeles
Game 7 (if necessary) – Wednesday, April 30, TBD, SAP Center, San Jose
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Betting on the Los Angeles Kings
The Kings and Sharks bring contrasting styles to what should be a very entertaining series. San Jose is one of the best scoring clubs in the NHL, their first round opponent allows the fewest goals per game at just 2.0. Furthermore, LA is 3-2 SU against San Jose this season, and only one of their last 10 matchups has gone over the total.
LA is entering the Playoffs having lost three of its last four games. They will need Anze Kopitar, who has 70 points this season, to step up in order to provide the firepower to beat the Sharks four times. The Kings have scored at least three goals in their last three games, and need the same production beginning Thursday.
Betting on the San Jose Sharks
[sc:NHL240 ]After disappointing losses to Nashville and Anaheim, the Sharks took care of business against Colorado and Phoenix to grab the fourth seed in the Western Conference over Los Angeles and claim home ice advantage in this series.
Though San Jose continues to score at a high level, its defense has been subpar lately. In four of their last six games, they have allowed an opponent to score at least two goals, going 4-2 SU in that span. Goalie Antti Niemi (2.39 GAA, .913 SV%) will have to do a better job of ensuring the Kings don’t go on scoring binges. Niemi’s team is 13-7 in their last 20 matchup with him as goalie.
Writer’s Prediction
LA has had San Jose’s number lately, and that should push them to win Game 1 of the series. However, this series will go seven once again, and I expect the home team to pull out the last win. Who are you going to bet on?
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