In tonight’s nightcap on TNT, we're getting a Pacific Division tilt with the second-place Los Angeles Kings hosting the seventh-place San Jose Sharks.
San Jose enters this contest on the second half of a road back-to-back following last night’s 4-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes, while L.A. attempts to extend its winning streak to three games.
Will the Kings take care of business on home ice? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Sharks vs Kings on Wednesday, January 11.
Sharks vs Kings best odds
Sharks vs Kings picks and predictions
These two clubs are trending in opposite directions, and tonight should not go any differently. The Los Angeles Kings have won nine of its last 12 contests.
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks have lost eight of their last 11 games and among their biggest problems during this downswing is their slow starts.
In the first period, San Jose is 0-6 ATS in their last six games. On the other hand, fast starts have propelled the Kings’ recent success as they are 6-0 ATS in the first period over that same stretch.
These trends are likely to continue in this game as goaltender Pheonix Copley is slated to take the crease for L.A. A tremendous surprise for the Kings this season, the 30-year-old netminder is 11-2 with a .904 save percentage (SV%) and 2.56 goals against average (GAA) through 13 starts this season.
Based on his metrics, even stronger days are ahead for Copley. If he qualified, he would rank 11th among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.
This positive regression could come against the Sharks, a team Copley shut down a month ago. In that start, his only one against San Jose in his career, Copley stopped 23 of 25 shots for a .920 SV% en route to a 3-2 victory.
In front of Copley is perhaps one of the most underrated blue lines in hockey that utilizes its depth to suppress high-danger scoring chances at a tremendous rate. At 5-on-5, the Kings rank sixth in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60).
Across the ice from Copley, goaltender James Reimer is projected to start between the pipes for the Sharks. It's been a forgettable campaign for the veteran netminder, who is just 7-12-3 with a .895 SV% and 3.22 GAA through 22 starts. He also ranks second-to-last among starting goaltenders in GSAx/60.
With the deeper blue line, the better goaltender, and the more talented roster, the Kings should have no issues taking care of business against the inferior Sharks. While they should both win and cover for the full game, back the trends and take the juicier first-period puck line.
My best bet: Kings first period -0.5 (+140 at bet365)
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Sharks vs Kings moneyline analysis
Los Angeles’ full-game puck line is also a great play to make. However, the trends are too strong not to take the larger price on the first-period puck line at +140 instead of the full game at +120.
San Jose is 0-6 ATS in their last six first periods while the Kings are 6-0 ATS over that same stretch. Additionally, the Sharks enter this game on the second half of a road back-to-back while the Kings have the benefit of coming off a rest day.
Due to playing last night in Arizona and then traveling to Los Angeles, it would not be shocking at all if San Jose has some tired legs to start Wednesday night’s contest.
Sharks vs Kings Over/Under analysis
I would lean towards the Under in this contest, primarily because of the Kings’ excellent defense this season. Not only is the blue line deep, but the forward group also features an abundance of two-way forwards that slow the game down and make life miserable for opposing teams.
Backing up this defensive-oriented group is a goaltender that is not only holding his own but excelling in his first year with the Kings. With that in mind, Reimer in net for San Jose is too much of a liability for taking the Under.
It's been a disastrous year for the Sharks’ netminder, which should continue against Los Angeles, a team that has scored five or more goals in back-to-back games.
Sharks vs Kings betting trend to know
The Kings are 6-0 ATS in the first period over their last six games. Find more NHL betting trends for Sharks vs Kings.
Sharks vs Kings game info
| Location: | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Wednesday, January 11, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TNT |
