The Los Angeles Kings are coming off a tough loss to the New Jersey Devils and will try to get back in the win column at Madison Square Garden when they face off vs the New York Rangers. The Kings have been an excellent road team this season at 10-5 SU despite their recent blemish. They opened as +105 road dogs to steal the win from the Blueshirts.
The Kings were on a tear before that loss to New Jersey. Los Angeles had won eight straight and remains at the top of the Pacific Division with 43 points. Captain Anze Kopitar has been revitalized this season with 38 points, including nine in his last five games. The Kings are primed to make another Stanley Cup run and should be heavily considered by bettors to get the victory tonight.
The Rangers, on the other hand, have hit a bit of a speed bump, dropping three of their last four games, and are coming off an ugly loss to the Ottawa Senators. New York will need a lockdown effort from goaltender Henrik Lundqvist if they plan to escape with the W. Hank is 11-3 SU at MSG this season and has a 2.44 GAA compared to on the road where he is 3-5 SU and his GAA balloons to 3.24. When you factor in that the Rangers are 2-4 SU in their last six games when hosting the Kings, bettors should tread carefully before placing a wager on New York tonight.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the New York Rangers as -120 favorites earlier today. The OVER/UNDER opened at 5.5 at Sportsbook for betting fans hoping to turn a profit on totals.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 3-2.5 win for the Kings. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Los Angeles Kings vs New York Rangers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Los Angeles Kings will look to vanquish their hosts on Friday, as they are 20-9-3 this season, while the Rangers are 16-12-3. Los Angeles is 13-17-2 against the total, while New York is 19-11-1 versus the number. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and New York vs Los Angeles injuries news.
The OddsShark NHL Power Rankings have the Rangers at No. 11 and the Kings at No. 23 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits New York's No. 7-ranked offense, averaging 3.26 goals per game, against a Kings defense that ranks No. 1 at 2.28 goals allowed. The Rangers power play is averaging 20% while the Kings defense kills off 87.62% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Last time out for Los Angeles, they were a 5-1 loser as they battled the Devils on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Devils at +102 were rewarded, while the 6 combined goals moved the game OVER for totals bettors.
The Rangers were a 3-2 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Senators. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got Ottawa at +108 on the moneyline, while the total score (5) was good news for UNDER bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
Los Angeles at New York, Saturday, December 16
New York at Boston, Saturday, December 16