NHL Pick: Anaheim Ducks at LA Kings
Overview
The Anaheim Ducks visit the Staples Center in Los Angeles this afternoon where they take on division rivals the LA Kings. The Ducks have played the Kings well over the past couple seasons winning 13 of the last 19 meetings overall and 7 of the last 9 played in LA.
Head to Head Trends
Ducks are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Ducks are 7-2 in the last 9 meetings in Los Angeles.
LA Kings (-120)
The LA Kings are tied for 1st in the Pacific Division with the Anaheim Ducks both of which have 80 points and are 4 points ahead of the 3rd place San Jose Sharks. The Kings were playing some sloppy hockey over the last few weeks losing 8 of 12 games but they have since bounced back winning 5 of their last 6 games although to be fair 4 of those 5 wins came against some of the worst teams in the league.
The Kings have a middle of the road offense averaging 2.63 goals per game but they do have one of the best defenses in the NHL allowing just 2.27 goals per game. Over their last 10 games the Kings defense have played great allowing under 2 goals per game but their offense has also been pretty cold scoring 2 goals or less in 8 of their last 9 games.
LA Kings Trends
Kings are 4-9 in their last 13 games following a win.
Kings are 3-7 in their last 10 games playing on 1 days rest.
Anaheim Ducks (+110)
The Anaheim Ducks are tied for 1st place in the Pacific Division with 80 points. The Ducks had an absolutely horrible start to the season especially on offense they couldn’t even buy a goal. I always like to say thing even out in sports and that’s whats happening with the Ducks.
The Ducks are on fire right now winning 17 of their last 19 games including their last 10 in a row which is a huge turnaround form their 1-9 record to start the season. Over the last 10 games the Ducks are averaging 3.80 goals per game on offense while allowing just 1.90 goals per game on defense so it’s no wonder they have won 10 in a row.
Anaheim Ducks Trends
Ducks are 17-2 in their last 19 overall.
Ducks are 7-0 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
Conclusion
I like the Anaheim Ducks over the Kings in this one. I usually won’t bet a team that’s on a 10 game win streak just because the luck factor is so much in hockey and anything can happen plus they are usually a big favorite but if your going to give me the hottest team in the NHL as an underdog I’m gonna have to take it.
Free Pick: Anaheim Ducks +110