The Los Angeles Kings (18-6-4), third in the NHL standings for the Pacific Division, host the Seattle Kraken (10-14-9) in one of just three NHL matchups on the NHL schedule today. The Kings beat the San Jose Sharks last night, while the Kraken last played Monday, losing to the Dallas Stars 4-3 in overtime. Los Angeles beat Seattle 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday.
Kraken vs Kings Picks
- NHL Pick: Kraken +145
Joe Daccord (2.65 GAA, .905 save percentage) is the expected starting goaltender for the Kraken, while veteran Cam Talbot (2.02 GAA, .926 save percentage), one of the NHL picks today to win the Vezin, is the confirmed starter for the Kings. Let’s check out the Kraken vs Kings odds below.
Seattle Kraken vs. LA Kings Odds
Los Angeles, despite playing the second of consecutive games in as many nights, is a strong betting favorite with NHL odds of -170 and -1.5 (+150) for the moneyline and puck line, respectively. The Kraken are +150 moneyline underdogs with +1.5 (-170) puck line odds. The over/under for the Kraken vs Kings odds is 6.
Kraken vs. Kings Information
Seattle Kraken vs LA Kings
Location of the game: Crypto.com Arena. Los Angeles, California.
Date & Time: Wednesday, December 20. 10:00 p.m. ET.
How to Watch: TNT
Seattle Kraken vs. LA Kings Betting Preview
Kraken Have Points in Four Straight Games
Seattle was among the surprise NHL picks to make the playoffs last season, but they haven’t been able to build upon that success this year as they rank 28th in NHL stats for goals per game (2.7) and 16th in goals allowed (3.18). They don’t generate much offense and, despite limiting teams to 28.6 shots per game (6th in the NHL), they haven’t received stable goaltending. With that said, there are signs that the team is beginning to turn things around.
After a season-worst eight-game losing streak, the Seattle Kraken are 2-0-2 in their last four games, outscoring their opponents 16-8. They outshot Dallas 38-28 in their overtime loss on Monday. Oliver Bjorkstrand leads Seattle Kraken stats with 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists), while Vince Dunn is second with 25 points (4 goals, 21 assists).
Seattle has several players on the NHL injury report, including goaltender Philipp Grubauer and forwards Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Jared McCann, Andre Burakovsky, and Jaden Schwartz.
Kings Surprisingly Mediocre at Home
For as good as the Los Angeles Kings have been this season, they probably shouldn’t be as favored much in Kraken vs Kings odds based on their home record. Los Angeles is a league-best 13-1-1 on the road this season and on pace to set an all-time best record, but are just 5-5-3 on home ice. They won each of their last two games on the road, but are 1-2 in their last three games at Crypto.com Arena.
Overall, the Kings are among the best teams in the league in most categories. They’re third in goals per game (3.57) and first in goals allowed (2.36), thanks in part to a stout defense that ranks second in shots (26.3) and Talbot, who is second among all-qualified goaltenders in GAA. Kevin Fiala and Anze Kopitar are tied for the team lead with 29 points.
Seattle Kraken vs. LA Kings Betting Picks
Moneyline: Seattle has been playing better as of late and should be able to take advantage of a Kings team that is struggling on home ice and played last night.
Over/Under: Los Angeles doesn’t give up much and Seattle has improved in NHL stats for goals allowed as of late. The total has been under in three of the last five Kraken games and four of the last five Kings home games.
- NHL Pick: Kraken +145
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