The Anaheim Ducks have fought back from a 2-0 series deficit, and are now on the verge of advancing to the Western Conference finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after winning three straight games. Do the never-say-die Los Angeles Kings still have enough to force a Game 7?
At least a couple of experts picked the Ducks to make it all the way to the Stanley Cup finals in our experts’ picks and predictions overview. Will Anaheim continue to make them look good?
A lot is at stake in Game 6 of this series between two proud franchises. Create a betting account now, and choose which side you are picking to win. We’ll even give you 50% bonus on your first deposit.
[sc:NHLArticles ]Anaheim Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings Betting Preview
Series Scores & Schedule
Game 1 – May 3, Los Angeles 3 (OT) Anaheim 2
Game 2 – May 5, Los Angeles 3 Anaheim 1
Game 3 – May 8, Anaheim 3 at Los Angeles 2
Game 4 – May 10, Anaheim 2 at Los Angeles 0
Game 5 – May 12, Los Angeles 3 at Anaheim 4
Game 6– May 14, 9:30 PM ET, Anaheim (+120) at Los Angeles (-140); total: 5.0 – view all NHL lines
Game 7 – May 16, 7:00 PM ET, Los Angeles at Anaheim
Betting on the Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks rookie goalie John Gibson once again rose to the occasion, stopping all but three of the Los Angeles Kings’ 42 shots in Game 5. With the series shifting back to Los Angeles, Gibson could reprise his role in Game 4, when he turned away all of the Kings’ 28 shots for his first career postseason victory.
[sc:NHL240 ]If paired with the team’s deadly power play, Gibson’s goaltending brilliance would be enough for the Ducks to complete their comeback from 2-0 down in the series at Staples Arena. The Ducks’ special team has converted 5 of 16 power play opportunities, bringing their percentage to an excellent 28.6%, the best among teams that are still competing in the playoffs.
Knowing that the Kings have frequently thrived in sudden death games, Anaheim will be in for a barnburner in Los Angeles. Still, the Ducks’ 5-0 record in their last five games at Staples Center should help their confidence heading into Game 6. The Ducks are also 20-8 in their last 28 road games.
Betting on the Los Angeles Kings
After grabbing a 2-0 lead at the start of the series, the Kings are now on the brink of elimination, a scenario that Daryl Sutter’s team has tremendous experience in. Los Angeles is 4-0 in its last four elimination games.
Although outplayed by Gibson in the last two games, Jonathan Quick (6-6, .911 SV% in these playoffs) can always be counted on for a big game. His resiliency was on full display in the first round of the playoffs, when he unleashed his Conn Smythe Trophy-winning form on the San Jose Sharks. Quick allowed only five goals in the last four games of the Kings’ series with the Sharks, after allowing 17 in the first three games.
Marian Gaborik leads the Kings’ offense in these playoffs with eight goals, followed by Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams, who have four apiece. After getting shutout in Game 4, the Kings’ scoring returned in Game 4 when they scored thrice in the loss. The Kings are the top scoring team in the postseason with 37 goals.
The over is 7-3-3 in the Kings’ last 13 games overall.
Writer’s Prediction
Playing in front of a massive home crowd, Jonathan Quick will not be denied of his seventh win of the postseason. Take the Kings at -140 to force a Game 7 at Anaheim.
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