Blue Jackets vs. Kings Prediction and Odds (LA's Defense is Falling Apart)
By Matt De Saro
The Columbus Blue Jackets are on the edge of being eliminated from the playoffs but doing all they can to avoid it. The Blue Jackets have won three of their last four games including a decisive 5-1 victory over the Montreal Canadians on Wednesday.
However, despite their mini hot streak, the Blue Jackets are just 3-7 in their last 10 games overall.
The Blue Jackets are set to face the Kings tonight as road underdogs. But, the Kings have looked shaky in recent weeks and are just 1-4 in their last five games. T
heir loss on Wednesday to the Avalanche was a disaster that ended 9-3 and LA needs to bounce back in a hurry if they hope to stick in the playoff hunt.
Here are the odds for tonight’s matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.
Blue Jackets vs. Kings Odds and Total
Moneyline:
- Blue Jackets +170
- Kings -190
Puck line:
- Blue Jackets +1.5 (-150)
- Kings -1.5 (+130)
Total:
- 6.0 (Over +100/Under -120)
Blue Jackets vs. Kings Prediction and Pick
One of the major reasons for the Kings’ recent struggles has to be their lack of effective goaltending. Especially in their last few games. The Kings have lost three in a row by a combined score of 20-8. They have scored at least five goals in three straight games.
Cal Peterson will start in goal for the Kings tonight in the hopes of trying to run that bad luck around. But, I don’t see that happening.
Peterson has allowed six goals twice in a row and has given up at least three in four of his last six. His save percentage in his last six games is a very suspicious 0.864. There comes a point where it doesn’t matter how good your defense is if you can’t stop the opponent from scoring five or more goals per game.
I am not convinced that the Blue Jackets have what it takes to win this game outright. But, I do know that they have the skill on offense to put in a few goals against a struggling defense. The Kings average 3.67 goals per game and can score with the best teams in the NHL.
This feels like another game for the Kings that flies over the total as their defensive struggles continue.
Pick: OVER 6.5 -110
Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE.