Squaring off for the fourth and final time this season, the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers clash at Rogers Place in a Pacific Division tilt. CBC Sports will showcase the matchup, and the opening face-off is at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 24.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers Odds
Los Angeles (-125) is currently the favorite over Edmonton (+105), and the Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 6 goals. The line for betting the total stands at -105 for the over and -115 for the under.
Los Angeles is 41-34 straight up (SU) and has netted 2.5 units for moneyline bettors this season. 38 of its games have gone under the total, while 34 have gone over and just three have pushed. The Kings are 22-17 SU as a road team in 2017-18.
Los Angeles has converted on 20.1 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, it has the best penalty kill in the league, and it has successfully killed off 84.6 percent of its penalties.
The Kings, as a collective unit, have been penalized 3.9 times per game overall this season, and 2.8 per game over its last five road outings. The teams had to kill penalties just 6.8 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Averaging 27.2 saves per game with a .922 save percentage, Jonathan Quick (30-28-2) has been the best option in goal for Los Angeles this year. If Los Angeles decides to rest him, however, the team may turn to Darcy Kuemper (10-9-3 record, .932 save percentage, 2.10 goals against average).
Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty will both lead the offensive attack for the visiting Kings. Kopitar has 86 points on 33 goals and 53 assists, and has recorded two or more points in 22 different games. Doughty has nine goals and 46 assists to his name (and has notched a point in 39 games).
Edmonton is 33-41 straight up (SU) and has lost 14.3 units for moneyline bettors this year. 35 of its outings have gone over the total, while another 35 have gone under and just four have pushed. This year, the teams 16-20 SU as the home team.
The Oilers have converted on just 14.4 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that’s ranked 31st in the NHL. Its penalty kill is also ranked 31st overall, and it’s successfully killed off 74.9 percent of all opponent power plays.
Oilers players have been sent to the penalty box 3.7 times per game in total this season, 3.8 per game over their past five outings total, and 3.2 per game over their last five at home. The teams had to kill penalties just 8.3 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Cam Talbot (27.8 saves per game) has been the top option in goal for the Oilers. Talbot has 29 wins, 30 losses, and two OT losses to his name and has recorded a poor .909 save percentage and 2.96 goals against average this year.
The home team offense will be led by Connor McDavid (36 goals, 58 assists).
Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers Betting Predictions
NHL Pick: SU Winner – Kings, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- Los Angeles is 2-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while Edmonton is 4-1 in shootouts.
- The total has gone over in three of Edmonton’s last five games.
- Five of Edmonton’s last ten outings have been decided by two or more goals. The club is 4-1 overall in those games.
- This game features two of the more physical defenses in the league. Los Angeles skaters have dished out the leagues fourth-most hits per game (25.7) and the Oilers have recorded the second-most (26.6).
