Penguins vs. Kings Prediction and Odds: Los Angeles Is Better Than Record Indicates
The Pittsburgh Penguins got off to a slow start to their season, but have recently skyrocketed up the standings. They're 9-1 in their last 10 games and now sit only three points back from the Metropolitan Division lead.
Tonight, they play their fourth game in a six-game road trip when they take on the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings have also played some solid hockey lately, going 6-3-1 in their last 10 games which has placed them in third place in the Pacific Division.
Let's take a look at the odds via WynnBET for this interconference matchup.
Penguins vs. Kings Odds and Total
Moneyline:
- Penguins -145
- Kings +125
Puck line:
- Penguins -1.5 (+165)
- Kings +1.5 (-200)
Total:
- 5.5 (Over -120/Under +100)
Penguins vs. Kings Betting Trends
- Penguins are 11-1 in their last 12 games.
- Penguins are 4-2 in their last six games against the Kings.
- The UNDER is 13-6 the last 19 times the Penguins have played Western Conference opponents.
- The UNDER is 9-4 in the Kings' last 13 games.
- The Kings are 4-1 in their last five home games.
Penguins vs. Kings Prediction and Pick
I've been a believer in the Los Angeles Kings this season. They rank fifth in the NHL in CORSI% and first among all teams in high danger scoring chances. The only reason why their record isn't better than what it is, is due to their inaccurate shooting. They're amongst the worst teams in shooting percentage, which is evidenced by the difference between their goals for per 60 minutes (2.68) and their expected goals per 60 minutes (3.25).
The Penguins are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They're over-performing both offensively and defensively, with their actual goals for and goals against being significantly better than their expected goals for and expected goals against.
Pittsburgh is in the middle of a long road trip, and now the Penguins are set as sizable favorites against an underrated Kings teams. I'm going to take a shot on Los Angeles as a home underdog.