Kings vs Maple Leafs NHL Line & Handicapping
Stumbling Leafs Host Surging Kings Wednesday Night
The Los Angeles Kings will be searching for their fifth straight win Wednesday night when they travel to Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs – a team that finds itself sliding down the Eastern Conference standings at the present time.
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Los Angeles (20-7-2-2) at Toronto (16-12-1-2)
When: 7:30 PM ET, Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Broadcast: TSN, RDS2, FS-W
Kings vs. Leafs Betting Lines
Los Angeles Kings -1½ +205 -140 Ov 5 -117 Ov 2½ -140 Un 2½ +110
Toronto Maple Leafs +1½ -245 +127 Un 5 +106 Ov 2½ +115 Un 2½ -145
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A little added intrigue ahead of this game – two goaltenders traded for each other this summer – Ben Scrivens and Jonathan Bernier could be in the creases for their respective teams.
The Los Angeles Kings put it all together last night. They absolutely dismantled the Montreal Canadiens 6-0 at Bell Center. Rookie Martin Jones earned his second consecutive shutout in the 31 save effort. He and Ben Scrivens have been sensation since Jonathan Quick was forced to the sidelines – they are now 9-1-3 in his absence.
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Scrivens could get the call Wednesday night – Jones has started LA’s last three games overall and has not allowed a goal in those starts – OR the Kings could stick with the hot hand. Scrivens continues to lead the NHL in save percentage (.943) and is tied for first in shutouts (three) and second in goals-against average (1.56) – he would love a crack at his former team Wednesday.
The Kings defensively have played very well ahead of their keepers. Los Angeles has allowed two goals or fewer in 16 straight games, and has not allowed a first-period goal in any of those. The Kings are 11-1-4 over that stretch. LA has been terrific on the penalty kill as well – they have killed off 57 of the past 61 penalties, 50 of 53, and 24 of 25.
Offensively the Kings sit middle of the pack averaging 2.58 goals per game but they showed that they are plenty dangerous with their six goal outburst last night.
Forward Tyler Toffoli has four goals in his past four games and Jarret Stoll has a point in four straight – the rest of the offense has come by committee.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had their share on injuries this year and now face the task of going without their Captain Dion Phaneuf who was suspended for two games for a hit he threw in the Boston game. Ugh. The Leafs are just 3-5-2 in their last 10 games and they continue to get outplayed.
Jonathan Bernier will likely get the nod between the pipes for the Leafs but he has struggled, just like his team of late – just 2-4-2 in his last eight games overall.
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James Reimer hasn’t been much better going 1-2-1 in his last four with a 3.81 GAA.
Toronto’s goals for this season is OK – 2.64 per game but when looking at their goals against – 2.74 per game, it makes you wonder how this team is in a playoff position.
There aren’t a whole lot of Leafs on the Hot List – James van Riemsdyk has three points in two games, Phil Kessel has four points in three games and Jake Gardiner, who will likely fill Phaneuf’s role has three points in his last three games.
Dave’s FREE NHL Betting Prediction
A few trends to consider:
• Under is 15-5-7 in LA last 27 road games.
• LA are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. Atlantic.
• LA are 6-2 in their last 8 games following a win.
• Over is 6-1-1 in TOR last 8 overall.
• Over is 7-2-3 in TOR last 12 Wed. games.
• Over is 6-2 in TOR last 8 home games.
• Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings in Toronto.
• Under is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings.
Joffrey Lupul will be a game-time decision Wednesday night – his inclusion into the lineup would be huge for a Leafs team that will be without Tyler Bozak (oblique), Dave Bolland (ankle), Colton Orr (elbow) and of course Dion Phaneuf.
The Leafs simply aren’t playing that well at the moment while the Kings have to be on a high after what they did to the Habs last night. There are too many hole on the Leafs right now – something that the Kings’ size, speed and depth will be able to exploit Wednesday.
Pick: LA Kings -140
