Two squads currently on losing streaks, the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings take the ice at the Staples Center in a divisional showdown. The opening face-off takes place at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 13, and you’ll be able to witness it live on Fox Sports West.
Anaheim Ducks at Los Angeles Kings Odds
Los Angeles (-135) is currently favored over Anaheim (+115), and the oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals. The line for betting the total stands at -135 under, +115 over.
Earning moneyline bettors 3.1 units, the Kings are 24-18 straight up (SU) overall thus far. That winning percentage, ranked second in the Pacific Division so far in the early season, is a welcome improvement compared to what the team managed during the 2016-17 season (39-43). Through 42 regular season outings, 21 of the teams games have gone under the total, while 18 have gone over and just three have pushed. The teams 11-9 SU at home this season.
Los Angeles has converted on 17.6 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated second overall, and it’s successfully killed off 87.5 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, Los Angeles has been penalized 4.1 times per game overall this season, and 4.9 per game over its past ten contests. The team has had to stave off opposition power plays for 8.8 minutes per contest over its last five home games.
Boasting a .926 save percentage and 28.2 saves per game, Jonathan Quick (19-15-2) has been the primary option in goal for the Kings this season. If head coach John Stevens chooses to give him a rest, however, the team may turn to Darcy Kuemper (5-5-5 record, .934 save percentage, 2.11 goals against average).
The Kings will continue looking for leadership from Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Kopitar (44 points) has put up 17 goals and 27 assists and has recorded two or more points in 12 different games this year. Brown has 15 goals and 17 assists to his name and has notched at least one point in 22 contests.
On the other bench, Anaheim is 19-24 straight up (SU) and has lost 3.0 units for bettors taking the moneyline thus far. A total of 28 of its outings have gone under the total, while 14 have gone over and just one has pushed. As the visiting team, Anaheim is 9-13 SU so far.
Anaheim has converted on just 16.9 percent of its power play chances this season, a figure that places it in the bottom-10 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked sixth overall and it’s successfully killed off 83.6 percent of all penalties.
Anaheim’s skaters have been called for penalties 4.6 times per game this season, and 4.0 per game over their last ten games. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays an unhealthy 13.6 minutes per game over their last five outings.
John Gibson (2.65 goals against average and .923 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Anaheim. Gibson is averaging 30.1 saves per game and has 13 wins, 20 losses, and six OT losses to his credit.
Leading the offensive counter for the visiting Ducks will be Rickard Rakell (15 goals, 16 assists) and Ryan Getzlaf (four goals, 20 assists).
Anaheim Ducks at Los Angeles Kings Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Kings, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- Anaheim (2-5 in shootouts this season) has more experience in games decided by shootout. Los Angelesemerged victorious in both of its shootouts this year.
- The total has gone over in three of Los Angeles last five outings.
- This game features two of the tougher teams in the league. Anaheim skaters have accounted for the leagues 10th-most hits per game (23.2) and the Kings have registered the second-most (25.0).
