The Los Angeles Kings, with a strong 40-23-9 record, host the San Jose Sharks, who are struggling with a 20-42-9 record. This matchup showcases a significant gap in team performance but presents opportunities for both teams to achieve their goals.
Key Factors to Consider
The Los Angeles Kings have a robust offense and solid goaltending, currently second in the Pacific Division. Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks are struggling with their offense and goaltending, ranking near the bottom of the league.
The San Jose Sharks lead the season series 2-1 against the Kings, indicating potential competitiveness despite their overall record.
The Sharks have several key injuries, including Logan Couture, Jan Rutta, and Henry Thrun, which could impact their performance. The Kings do not have noted significant injuries affecting their lineup.
Home advantage might play a significant role for the Kings, who have an excellent home record of 26-3-4.
Both teams are motivated, with the Kings seeking to solidify their playoff position and the Sharks looking to end the season on a positive note.
Odds and Predictions
Category
Odds
Prediction
Confidence
Moneyline
Los Angeles Kings: -385, San Jose Sharks: 300
Los Angeles Kings
★★★★☆ 80%
Spread
Los Angeles Kings: -1.5 (-143), San Jose Sharks: +1.5 (118)
San Jose Sharks +1.5
★★★☆☆ 55%
Over_under
Over: 6 (100), Under: 6 (-122)
Under 6
★★★★☆ 70%
Predicted Outcome
Los Angeles Kings to win outright but San Jose Sharks to cover the spread.
Predicted Score: Los Angeles Kings 3, San Jose Sharks 2
The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center. The Maple Leafs are ahead in their division with a strong offense, while the Ducks are on a two-game winning streak but unlikely to reach the playoffs.
Key Factors to Consider
Toronto has a strong offense, ranking seventh in goals per game with 3.26. Anaheim is on a winning streak but struggles defensively. Toronto's power play is significantly better than Anaheim's.
Toronto won their previous matchup 3-2 on December 12. This is the second and final game between them this season.
Max Pacioretty and Jani Hakanpaa are out for Toronto. The Ducks' injury report is not detailed.
Toronto is competing for the top division spot, which might affect their motivation to win.
Toronto is highly motivated to secure their division lead, while Anaheim is playing for pride and ending the season on a high note.
Odds and Predictions
Category
Odds
Prediction
Confidence
Moneyline
Anaheim Ducks: 145, Toronto Maple Leafs: -177
Toronto Maple Leafs
★★★★☆ 70%
Spread
Anaheim Ducks: 1.5 -180, Toronto Maple Leafs: -1.5 145
Anaheim Ducks +1.5
★★☆☆☆ 45%
Over_under
Over 6: -124, Under 6: 102
Over 6
★★★☆☆ 60%
Predicted Outcome
Toronto Maple Leafs to win
Predicted Score: Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Anaheim Ducks 2