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L.A. Kings vs. San Jose Sharks NHL Gambling Prediction & Lines

Kings vs Sharks Hockey Betting?

A possible first round playoff preview looms on a busy night in the NHL Thursday when the Los Angeles Kings visit the San Jose Sharks – just like they would if the playoff started today. Both teams are coming off impressive wins and are playing OK down the stretch – the Kings are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games while the Sharks are 5-3-2 in their last 10.

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Los Angeles (45-26-2-4) at San Jose (48-20-2-7)
When: 10:30 PM ET, Thursday, April 3, 2014
Where: SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose, California
Broadcast: TSN2, NBCSN
Kings vs. Sharks Betting Lines
Los Angeles Kings +1½ -225 +139 Ov 5 +106
San Jose Sharks -1½ +195 -153 Un 5 -117
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Battle of California Highlights Busy Night in NHL – Sharks Host Kings

The Kings have gotten the better of the Sharks lately – eliminating them from the playoffs last year and winning all three meetings of the season so far between the clubs.

The Los Angeles Kings played last night and won 4-0 in Phoenix, employing a familiar game plan to get it done. The second best defensive team in the NHL allowed just 17 shots to the Coyotes and Jonathan Quick slammed the door. Quick is now 6-1-0 in his last seven starts overall with a 1.68 GAA.

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Quick has also been terrific against the Sharks as of late going 4-1-0 with a 1.20 GAA and .950 save percentage in his last five starts against his California rival.

The Kings still haven`t wowed anyone with their offense. They are balanced for sure but they are far from potent. Against a powerful Sharks offense this could be a problem – unless Quick does his typical thing. The Kings score 2.43 goals per game and give up just 2.05 per game.

Alex Martinez has three points in two games, Marian Gaborik has four points in three games, Willie Mitchell has three points in three games, Justin Williams has two points in two games and Tanner Pearson has four points in four games. But Drew Doughty and Dustin Brown are pointless in their last three games and names like Jeff Carter, Anze Kopitar and Mike Richards are somehow absent from the Hot List.
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The San Jose Sharks won 5-4 against Edmonton last time out is an offensive barrage. Offense is how this team gets things done – especially when the goaltending isn`t doing its part. Antti Niemi gave up four goals for the second straight game last time out and is now 1-1-0 with a 4.03 GAA and .867 save percentage.

It appears as though the Sharks will have to score some goals Thursday night just to stay in the game!

Offense hasn`t been a problem for San Jose though – they average 2.95 goals per game. Joe Pavelski has four goals and four assists during a four-game point streak, Dan Boyle has goals in three straight games and points in five in a row, Brent Burns has six points in four games, Patrick Marleau has four points in four games and Jason Demers has two points in his last three games.

A little more production from Joe Thornton and Logan Couture would be nice – those two are curiously absent from San Jose`s Hot List.

Dave’s FREE NHL Betting Prediction

A few trends to consider:
• LA are 8-0 in their last 8 road games.
• Under is 18-5-5 in LA last 28 vs. Pacific.
• LA are 19-7 in their last 26 Thu. games.
• SJ are 42-13 in their last 55 home games.
• Under is 6-2 in SJ last 8 vs. Pacific.
• Under is 13-5-1 in SJ last 19 home games.
• Under is 6-1-2 in the last 9 meetings.
• Home team is 23-7 in the last 30 meetings.

The Los Angeles Kings match up extremely well with the San Jose Sharks – the recent head-to-head record is proof.

I like the trend to continue Thursday night. The Sharks are having a hard time keeping the puck out of their own net at the moment while it is seemingly impossible to get more than one past Johnny Quick and the Kings.

LA will be looking to make a statement Thursday night – I think they get it done as the Kings defense rises to the occasion yet again.

Pick: LA Kings +139

By DaveB

Dave B has been a Fantasy Football writer for us for 10 years. A couch potato wannabe, Dave’s insights have been read by 10’s of people for years. He hope’s for world peace + global relaxation. Enjoy and remember only smoke things that are completely natural.