Los Angeles Kings at Carolina Hurricanes odds, picks and predictions
The Los Angeles Kings (20-11-8) make the 5th stop on a 6-game road trip against the Carolina Hurricanes (24-13-5) on Monday at PNC Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Kings vs. Hurricanes odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Kings have been in a freefall since the holidays, going 0-4-4 in the past 8 games, including an 0-2-2 mark on the current road trip. The goaltending and defense haven't been terrible, allowing 3.5 goals per game (GPG) in the 8-game span. However, the offense has had a power outage, going for just 2.2 GPG.
The Hurricanes have come alive after a sluggish start by their standards, going 7-0-1 across the past 8 outings, and Carolina is 3-0-2 in the past 5 games against Western Conference teams, too.
The Canes have dominated this head-to-head series recently, too. Carolina won a wild 6-5 game in a shootout Oct. 14 in Los Angeles, and the Canes have won 8 straight in the series dating back to Dec. 2, 2018. The Kings haven't won in Raleigh since Jan. 26, 2017.
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Kings at Hurricanes odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last update at 10:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Kings +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Hurricanes -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Kings +1.5 (-190) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+155)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Kings at Hurricanes projected goalies
Cam Talbot (14-10-5, 2.34 GAA, .918 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Antti Raanta (9-5-2, 3.18 GAA, .871 SV%, 1 SO)
Talbot has fallen off a bit since flipping the calendar from December to January. After posting GAAs of 2.47 in October, 1.64 in November and 2.22 in December, he has managed an 0-3-2 record with a 3.59 GAA and .893 SV% in 5 games in January.
Raanta was placed on waivers in mid-December, but he was recalled 2 weeks later out of necessity due to injuries. Since getting his 2nd chance, he has been a force. Raanta is 3-0-1 with just 6 goals allowed on 86 shots in 3 starts and a relief appearance since returning to the big club.
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Kings at Hurricanes picks and predictions
Prediction
Hurricanes 5, Kings 3
Moneyline
The HURRICANES (-145) are a good value as moderate favorites. They have been playing tremendous hockey, while the Kings (+120) can't figure it out offensively in recent games.
In the back of my mind, I still remember "bad Raanta", who allowed 8 goals to Tampa on Nov. 24, and 6 goals to Nashville on Dec. 15, resulting in his banishment. But Carolina has also dominated this head-to-head series. The Canes should get another home win in front of their boisterous fans.
Puck line/Against the spread
The HURRICANES -1.5 (+155) are worth a roll of the dice on the puck line in this matinee affair. Carolina hasn't had much trouble cobbling together offense, and All-Star C Sebastian Aho has been particularly red-hot with 7 goals and 19 assists across the past 15 games, while RW Andrei Svechnikov is finally back to his scoring ways with 8 goals and 16 points over the previous 9 outings.
Over/Under
The OVER 6 (-120) is the way to go, as Carolina has been putting up huge numbers. While Los Angeles has been on the struggle bus offensively, it should be able to get a few past Raanta. Trust Carolina's offense to do most of the heavy lifting, however.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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