The Los Angeles Kings will look to start their road trip on the right foot when they head to the Xcel Center to face the Minnesota Wild. The Kings have been up and down recently and haven’t won consecutive games in March. They haven’t had much luck in Minnesota lately either, losing four of their last five games in the Wild’s barn, and opened as +125 dogs in this tilt.
The Wild have surged to fourth in the Western Conference and have won five of their last seven games. Minnesota has been led in scoring this season by a rejuvenated Eric Staal, who has 38 goals and 70 points, which is huge considering that the Wild historically are not known for scoring a lot of goals. The Wild rank in the top 10 in goals per game at home and have won seven of the last nine games at home in this matchup.
As for the Kings, this four-game road trip could be crucial for their chances of making the playoffs as Los Angeles sits in eighth place with Dallas and St. Louis in hot pursuit. The Kings are one of seven teams with a winning record on the road and have won four of their last five away games. Their performance can mainly be attributed to their defense as they only allow 2.56 goals away from Staples Center. If bettors are planning to back Los Angeles, they should know the Kings are 4-0 SU in their last four after a loss and defeated the Wild 5-2 back in December.
The total opened at 5 and this game could be an easy OVER. Minnesota has averaged three goals per game in March and the OVER has hit in its last three games with a closing total of 5 or more. When you factor in the OVER has hit in the last four games in this matchup, this total should easily be surpassed.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
If you're backing the visiting Los Angeles Kings in this one, they were listed earlier today as underdogs of +122 at most sportsbooks, including Sportsbook. Those OVER/UNDER total betting saw the number open in the area of 5, depending on the book.
OddsShark prediction models pick the Wild to win this game 2.9-2.7. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Los Angeles Kings vs Minnesota Wild Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
41-24-7 Minnesota battles the Kings, currently with a 39-27-6 mark. The OVER/UNDER records, important for totals bettors, are 37-31-4 for the Wild and 32-38-2 for the Kings. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Minnesota vs Los Angeles injuries news.
According to new NHL Power Rankings here at OddsShark, it's the No. 10-ranked Wild and the No. 12-rated Kings in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Minnesota Wild's No. 11-ranked offense (3.11 goals per game) against a Los Angeles Kings defense that ranks No. 2 at 2.51 goals per game allowed. The Wild power play has clicked at a 20.64% rate while the Kings have a 84.1% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Kings were a 3-0 loser in their most recent outing at home against the Devils. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got New Jersey at +125 on the moneyline, while the total score (3) was good news for UNDER bettors.
Minnesota was a 3-1 Sportsbook in its last match on the road against the Coyotes. They won as -132 underdogs, while the total score of 4 made Sportsbooks of UNDER bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
Los Angeles at Winnipeg, Tuesday, March 20
Minnesota home to Nashville, Saturday, March 24