Ducks vs. Kings Playoff Betting?
Ducks Try to Dig Themselves Out of a Hole – Visit Kings in Game 3
The Anaheim Ducks head out on the road Thursday night looking for that elusive fist win in their second round playoff series with the Los Angeles Kings. Down 2-0 in the series, it is no secret as to why the Ducks are in such a predicament – their potent offense has gone cold.
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Anaheim (58-23-3-6) at Los Angeles (52-30-3-6)
When: 10:00 PM ET, Thursday, May 8, 2014
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Broadcast: RDS, TSN, NBCSN
Kings lead series 2-0
In Canada? Try Pinnacle!
Ducks vs. Kings Betting Lines
Anaheim Ducks +1½ -260 +124 Ov 5 +106
Los Angeles Kings -1½ +220 -136 Un 5 -117
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Anaheim better snap out of their funk soon – the Kings are showing no signs of slowing down and Jonathan Quick seems to be gaining confidence with every period under his belt.
The Anaheim Ducks just aren’t looking themselves so far in their second round series. Sure Jonathan Quick has been tremendous but the Ducks are far from the dominant offensive team they were during the regular season and in the first round of this year’s playoffs.
Just three goals total in the two games has the Ducks in an unenviable predicament – having to win four of the next six games against an LA team that looks simply unbeatable right now.
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Ryan Getzlaf has been predictably good – he has assisted on all three Anaheim goals thus far in the series and Corey Perry has been OK but the supporting cast simply hasn’t gotten it done. The offense can’t seem to gain puck possession and sustain it – if you don’t have the puck – you don’t score! Figuring a way to penetrate LA’s stifling defensive style is the big chore ahead of the Ducks ahead of Thursday night’s clash.
Don’t blame Jonas Hiller and the Ducks defense for the hole that they are in. A perceived weakness on this team before the series started has become a strength. Hiller is 0-2 in the series; 1-2 in the playoffs with a very good 1.75 GAA and .923 save percentage.
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The LA Kings have been a picture of consistency and balance the last two weeks. They enter Thursday night’s game on a six game win streak – looking like they won’t be beaten again this season! Everyone is contributing offensively and defensively the team has put the boots to the second best offense in the NHL during the regular season.
Marian Gaborik has three goals in his last two games, Justin Williams has five points in four games, Drew Doughty has eight points in eight games, Alec Martinez has scored in two straight games, Tanner Pearson has three points in three games and Tyler Toffoli has six points in seven games.
Conspicuously absent from LA’s Hot List are Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter and Mike Richards – all quality players that are being upstaged but some roll players on the squad.
How good has Jonathan Quick been? He is 5-0 in his last five games with a 0.96 GAA and .970 save percentage.
His stellar play has kept the puck out of the Kings’ net and has served to get into the heads of the Anaheim Ducks forwards who are clearly frustrated already – after just two games.
Dave’s FREE NHL Betting Prediction
A few trends to consider:
• Over is 6-2 in ANA last 8 road games.
• ANA are 22-9 in their last 31 vs. Pacific.
• ANA are 18-8 in their last 26 road games.
• Over is 6-2-2 in LA last 10 overall.
• Over is 6-2-2 in LA last 10 vs. Pacific.
• Over is 6-2-2 in LA last 10 vs. Western Conference.
• Under is 5-1-2 in the last 8 meetings.
The Anaheim Ducks are on life support – not dead yet. But it appears the writing is definitely on the wall. The Kings are plain scary right now in both ends of the rink.
They are tops in goals against and second in goals for in the playoffs. If that`s not a recipe for success, I don`t know what is!
Pick: LA Kings -136
