Read the latest betting pick and predictions for tonight's matchup between the Vancouver Canucks (26-20-11) and Los Angeles Kings (31-17-7), courtesy of our friends at Daily Faceoff.
Vancouver had been hanging onto the second wild card spot in the Western Conference, but they are now on the outside looking in following Calgary’s win on Tuesday.
The Canucks have dropped both games since returning from the break, scoring just two goals combined against Vegas and Utah. That’s been an ongoing theme for Vancouver, as it ranks as the worst offensive team in the league since Jan. 3.
The Canucks have only managed to score more than three goals in three of their last 21 games, and that’s not a good sign heading into a game against the fourth-best defensive team in the league.
Los Angeles has allowed just 2.55 goals against per 60 minutes this season, but the Kings are a middling offensive team, ranking 16th in goals per 60. However, Los Angeles has been hot as of late, winning five of its last six games and scoring four or more goals in those wins.
According to Evolving Hockey, the Kings are the fourth-best team in expected goals percentage, and rank fifth in shot attempt percentage and goal share at even strength. Vancouver, meanwhile, ranks 25th in expected goals percentage, 19th in shot attempt percentage, and 25th in goal share, so there’s a big skill gap in this matchup.
The Kings have also won six of the last eight meetings against the Canucks, winning by two or more goals five times. Given Vancouver’s offensive struggles, and the Kings’ current form, this is a good spot to bet on Los Angeles to cover the puck line.
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VAN Canucks | +150 ML |
LA Kings | -180 ML |
Puck Line | LA Kings -1.5 |
Total Goals | O/U 5.5 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Better Collective. Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.