NHL Odds: Stars-Kings prediction, pick, how to watch
An exciting game out west is well on its way to grabbing the attention of the NHL community as the Dallas Stars head to the City of Angels to take on the Los Angeles Kings. Let’s take a look at our NHL odds series where our Stars-Kings prediction and pick will be revealed.
Fresh off a disheartening 5-3 loss to the lowly San Jose Sharks, the Stars will be looking for a rebounding performance after dropping three of their previous four games. Currently, Dallas is 26-13-7 and tied with Winnipeg for first place in the Central Division standings with 59 points.
As for the Kings, Los Angeles is also coming off a loss after allowing five goals to the New Jersey Devils. However, unlike the Stars, the Kings were in the middle of a three-game winning streak before falling short. Los Angeles will enter the game with five days off since they last saw action so the Kings are more than ready for the Stars in their arena.
Here are the Stars-Kings NHL odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NHL Odds: Stars-Kings Odds
Dallas Stars: +1.5 (-215)
Los Angeles Kings: -1.5 (+172)
Over: 6 (-110)
Under: 6 (-110)
How to watch Stars vs. Kings
Television: ESPN+
Stream: ESPN+
Time: 10:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. PT
*Watch NHL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why the stars might cover the spread
On the face of it, the Stars have been one of the most impressive teams when it comes to covering as Dallas owns an extremely deadly 27-19 ATS record. Not only have Dallas proven they have what it takes to cover time and again, there’s no doubt the Stars are getting frustrated with their recent play.
While Dallas has yet to press the panic button after a bad loss to the Sharks, the Stars will certainly face a tough challenge against a struggling Kings team defensively. In fact, LA is giving up 3.39 goals per game, which is above its offensive average.
Since Dallas remains one of the most elite teams in the NHL with consistent puck scoring, be on the lookout for the Stars to attack the Kings with a healthy dose of left wing Jason Robertson. Arguably one of the best skaters in the league this season, Robertson leads the Stars in goals, assists and total points this year and poses a huge threat to what the Kings look to do tonight.
Not only is Robertson a valuable asset when it comes to covering, but Dallas also excels on the defensive side of the ice. In fact, the Stars are one of the few teams in the league to be extremely dominant on offense and defense. A big reason for this was budding star goalkeeper Jake Oettinger’s spectacular goalkeeper who is quickly becoming one of the best players in his position. Since Oettinger was absolutely automatic in the playoffs last year, all signs point to another spectacular performance from the 24-year-old goaltender.
Why kings might cover the spread
Without a doubt, the biggest advantage the Kings hold over the Stars in this one is the fact that they’ve had five days off since they were last held up for action. Not to mention, but it was much needed for Los Angeles after falling flat against the Devils in which the game has never been more competitive. Fortunately, the Kings should be feeling refreshed heading into that big game with a Western Conference foe like the Stars.
Above all else, the most critical pattern kings need to master will come in the form of their defense. No surprise here, but Los Angeles remains a low-level defensive unit at this point in the regular season and desperately needs to string together a solid outing on this side of the ice. Although the Kings have been hit with a slew of injuries that have left them shorthanded, expect LA to try to make life much easier for Jonathan Quick or Pheonix Copley by getting a few hits and staying fundamentally solid in their missions in the defensive zone. With this serving as the opening contest of a six-game road trip for the Kings, Los Angeles can’t afford to be lazy with their passing, which could lead to expensive giveaways in their own zone.
Not to mention, the Kings have a rather stable power play offense which has seen them score on 25% of their extra advantages. Facing a salty Dallas Stars unit that rarely inflicts shorthanded goals, taking advantage of this game could prove to be a fatality for the Kings.
Stars-Kings final prediction and selection
This one has all the assets to be one of the best games of the day! However, if you want to earn a few extra bucks for your Thursday night, then betting on the Stars to cover the road will be the way to go.
Stars-Kings final prediction and selection: +1.5 stars (-215)