Free NHL Hockey Prediction: Kings vs Dallas Odds
Looking for Los Angeles Kings vs. Dallas Stars free hockey plays? NHL betting sees the Kings taking on the Stars on Thursday October 20th at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL Hockey matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL hockey predictions.
(0-3-0) Los Angeles Kings vs. Dallas Stars (2-1-0)
Date: Thursday October 20th
Time: 8:30 PM (EST)
Venue: American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.
NHL Hockey Moneyline Odds: OFF-
NHL Hockey Puck Line Odds: OFF
NHL Betting Total: OFF
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It’s been a rough start for the LA Kings this season, losing each of their first three games and star goaltender, Jonathan Quick, in the process.
It doesn’t get any easier for them in the this game, as the team will roll out a back-up goalie against Dallas Stars, who are currently scoring at a clip of 3.67 goals-per-game.
Tyler Seguin appears to be 100% after suffering a leg injury in the World Cup preliminary games, which then forced him out of the tournament.
Los Angeles Kings
As mentioned, it’s been a tough start to Drew Doughty and the Kings, having lost Jonathan Quick for a significant amount of time and failing to earn a point in the standings in their three games thus far.
The offense hasn’t helped offset the loss of Quick, as they are currently ranked 27th in goals-per-game at a 2.0 rate.
Leading the charge is Tanner Pearson with two goals, both of which he recorded in the same game against Minnesota on Tuesday, his only game of the season after returning from a two-game suspension for an illegal hit to the head.
The steady hand on offense for the Kings is Anze Kopitar, who will look to continue upon his three-game point streak to start the year. Kopitar led the Kings for the 9th consectuive season in 2015-16 with a total of 74 across 81 games played.
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With Quick sidelined, the Kings are forced to turn to Jeff Zatkoff for the lions share of the duties in his absence, which is likely not ideal considering he’s only appeared in 38 games in his four-year career.
On the year, Zatkoff is 0-3-0 with a 4.37 GAA and .839 SV%, which grade out amongst the worst so far. He is coming off of a rough five-goal game against Minnesota before being replaced by AHL call-up, Peter Budaj.
Much of the responsibilities will fall on star defender, Drew Doughty, and the LA defensive corps to hold their team in games.
Doughty will need some help from his colleagues, but the Kings’ D-group hasn’t still quite found the answer for replacing the last spot in their top-4 since losing Slava Voynov.
Dallas Stars
Things are looking up for this Dallas offense, entering the year with a clean bill of health and having as much fire power as basically anyone else in the league.
Their top-end talent can’t be denied, with Seguin and captain Jamie Benn leading the way for an offense that ranked 1st in goals-per-game last year with an average of 3.23.
Benn and Seguin each registered over a point-per-game in 2015-16, but it was the depth that also really helped support the top-line.
Jason Spezza is no longer the face of a franchise as he was in Ottawa, but he’s still a great option up front, registering 33 goals and 63 points in 75 games last season.
Patrick Sharp is another key piece on offense, acquired in a deal that sent Ryan Garbutt and futures to Chicago for the scoring winger.
He tallied 55 points last season despite a slow start.
The Stars’ will also hope former high pick, Valerie Nichuskin, can both stay healthy and take a step forward this year in his NHL development and build upon his 29 points last year.
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The Stars’ haven’t really solved their goaltending issues from a year ago, as they still have both big ticket tendies in Antti Niemi and Kari Lehtonen, but no clear #1 guy.
The club is shelling out over $9-million for the combination that struggled in the playoffs and had questions swirling about how they could move on from the duo.
Will Ben Bishop be the answer? It is unlikely to see an in-season trade considering the Lightning are a favorite to contend, but with the expansion draft looming it’s an interesting predicament.
John Klingberg has developed into an elite scoring defender and will be joined by recent veteran signee, Dan Hamhuis, to lead this defensive unit.
NHL Hockey Handicapping Trends
- Dallas led the league in goals in 2015-16 with 265 li>
- LA won the season series last year 2-1, outpacing Dallas on the scoreboard by a 10-7 mark.
Free Los Angeles Kings vs Dallas Stars NHL Hockey Prediction
It’s been tough sledding for LA without quick, and facing the firepower of Benn, Seguin and this Dallas squad, there’s a good chance it continues.
While LA isn’t considered an offensive juggernaut by any means, Dallas allowed 2.78 goals-per-game last season which was tied for 11th worst.
4* Free NHL Betting Pick: Over 5.5
I generally don’t like picking the over in any game that LA is playing in, but it’s a different scenario with Quick out.
Dallas scores a ton of goals and isn’t exactly know for their defensive prowess, and with the likes of Kopitar, Toffoli, Carter, Pearson and Doughty, LA should be able to tally a few.
The Kings have allowed four or more goals in 2/3 games so far, with the only game under that mark coming in their season opener.
NHL Free Game 3 Score Prediction: LA-2, Dallas-4
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