Last Updated on December 22, 2018 6:54 am by dpatrick
Kings vs. Sharks Prediction
The Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks have gone in opposite directions this season as they prepare to meet tonight. Will host San Jose record the victory as big favorites?
Game Snapshot
41 Los Angeles Kings at 42 San Jose Sharks
Saturday, December 22, 2018
SAP Center at 4PM ET
TV: NBCSN
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our NHL Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Sharks are a -230 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Kings are a +192 underdog, while the over-under sits at 6 goals. As of Saturday morning, 92 percent of public bets are being placed on host San Jose. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Kings snap four-game skid
Los Angeles won for the first time in five games Tuesday night at home with a 4-1 victory over Winnipeg. The Kings (12-20-3) scored the only goal of the first period on a strike by Austin Wagner with Daniel Brickley assisting. After the Jets tied it up in the second period, LA took the lead back at 2-1 on a goal by Alex Iafallo. Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar assisted on the score. Wagner scored his second goal of the contest later in the second period as Matt Luff assisted. Nate Thompson added a goal with five seconds remaining in the contest on an assist from Dustin Brown. Jonathan Quick earned the win in net as he made 27 saves on 28 shots.
Sharks have five-game win streak snapped
San Jose allowed two goals in the third period Thursday night at home versus Winnipeg in what ended as a 5-3 defeat. The Jets scored in the game’s first minute, but the Sharks bounced back less than a minute later as Evander Kane scored on an assist from Joe Thornton. Joe Pavelski scored his 22nd goal of the season to make it 2-1 in favor of San Jose as Kevin Labanc and Erik Karlsson registered assists. Winnipeg added two goals later in the first period as it grabbed the lead back at 3-2. Joonas Donskoi tied the game for the Sharks late in the second period on an assist from Kane, but the Jets scored the only two goals of the third period to close it out. Martin Jones surrendered four goals on 24 shots in the losing effort.
NHL Betting Trends
Los Angeles
The Kings are 5-17 in their last 22 road games. Los Angeles is 4-17 in its last 21 games following a win.
San Jose
The Sharks are 4-1 in their last five home games. San Jose is 6-2 in its last eight Saturday games.
Prediction:
It’s hard to get behind LA these days, particularly on the road. San Jose won the previous meeting this season in overtime at Los Angeles and I think it be an easier time here. Go with the hosts and don’t overthink it.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: SAN JOSE SHARKS -230