Here we go again with another edition of Pick The Winner for Monday, April 2nd.
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A slow day in the NHL with only 1 game on the board, but I do have a play going.
Edmonton Oilers @ Los Angeles Kings – KINGS -1.5 [Puck Line] (+127)
(Note: I’m risking 1 unit to win 1.27 units)
These two teams met again after their Friday night meeting in Edmonton. The Kings outshot the Oilers 32-14 on their way to a 4-1 win (which was a game of the week pick). The Kings have moved into 3rd place in the Western Conference as division leaders, but they know they need to continue to win to ensure they make the playoffs. Los Angeles is just 2 points up on 9th place Dallas. The Kings are 21-14-4 on home ice this season, and have won 8 of their last 11 games. The Oilers have managed just 15 and 14 shots in their last two games, being out shot at a 2:1 rate. Edmonton is just 14-21-4 at home this season, and are just 6-18 in their last 24 games following a win. Nikolai Khabibulin is an expected starter (not confirmed) and he gave up the 4 goals on Friday night to the Kings.
After the night off on Saturday Quick should be back in net for the Kings. Quick has allowed just 5 goals against over his last 5 starts to improve his season record to 34-21-11 with a 1.92 GAA and .930 SV%. The Kings have won 6 of their last 7 home games, and I look for their hot play to continue tonight. Note that 5 of those 6 home wins came by 2+ goals against much stronger opponents (San Jose, Nashville, Detroit, Anaheim, and Chicago). I think the Kings win pretty easily here again against the Oilers – take the Kings on the puck line at a generous price.
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Good luck everyone and may this winner pan out for you.
