NHL Betting: Vancouver Canucks at L.A. Kings

Mar 10, 2008 | By Billy Brewer | Picks Articles Archive

The Vancouver Canucks will be trying to avoid being swept by the L.A. Kings tonight. The Kings have won the first three games by outscoring the Canucks 12-7. Bet365.com has the Canucks as 1.65-moneyline road favs over the Kings with the over/under listed at 5.5. Get your NHL Pick in at Bet365.com.

The Canucks are tied for the eighth playoff spot in the West, with Nashville, after their most recent, 4-2, win over the St.Louis Blues. They got back to back wins after suffering a four game drought. Alex Burrows had a goal and assist, while Taylor Pyatt and Ryan Kesler each added two assists for the Canucks, who have scored 10 goals in their last two victories after recording just six during their four-game skid. The Kings are one of the worst teams in the league right now and it should be an easy win, right. Wrong! Goalie Roberto Loungo has allowed a 3.58 GAA against the Kings in two meetings, but his play recently has been great. He’s allowed 2.80 GAG in his last five and overall he’s 30-20-1-8 with a 2.23 GAA. The Canucks power play has scored in each of its last four games, four goals on sixteen tries. Their penalty kill has not allowed a goal in two games, killing off ten penalties. Center Brendan Morrison might be back in the lineup to add some much needed depth up front. The Canucks are 15-13-0-5 on the road and 11-15 over/under away from home.

The Kings have just two wins in their last ten games after the recently lost 2-5 to Montreal. Despite being a high scoring team their goalie situation has been their downfall. They lost Jason LaBarbera to a strained groin and rookie Erik Ersberg will be his replacement. He made 18 saves against Montreal, two days after stopping 40 shots in a 2-0 home win over Ottawa for his first career victory. The Kings have averaged 1.80 GAG in their last five games and their power play has two goals in nineteen tries. Their penalty kill has been great lately, allowing one goal in nineteen kills. They are 3-0 SU against Canucks. The Kings are 15-18-1-1 at home and they’re 20-13 over/under at home.

Recent Trends

Canucks are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win.
Kings are 1-6 in their last 7 games as an underdog.
Kings are 1-6 in their last 7 overall.
Kings are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
Road team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

GAME: Vancouver Canucks (34-24-1-9) at Los Angeles Kings (27-38-3-2)
DATE/TIME: Monday, March 10 - 10:30 PM EST
LINE: Bet365.com TOTAL: 5.5
PICK: Vancouver 1.65

The Low Down: With Roberto Luongo’s great play of recent and the Canucks increased scoring, it should be a win for the Canucks. They’ll have to watch their penalties and defense will have to watch for the speed of the young Kings team! Get your NHL Pick in now at Bet365.com

NHL Betting: Vancouver Canucks at L.A. Kings

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