The Vegas Golden Knights and the Los Angeles Kings meet at T-Mobile Arena in Game 1 of the NHL postseason’s first round. The puck drops at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 11, and it can be viewed live on NBC Sports Network.
Los Angeles Kings at Vegas Golden Knights Odds
Vegas (-135) is currently the favorite over Los Angeles (+115), and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at 6 goals. The odds for betting the total stand at -130 under, +110 over.
The Golden Knights are 51-31 straight up (SU) and have earned 15.5 units for moneyline bettors this season. Among its 82 games this season, 42 have gone over the total, while 38 have gone under and just two have pushed. The team’s 29-12 SU at home this season.
Vegas has converted on 21.7 percent of its power play chances this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated eighth overall, and it’s successfully killed off 81.9 percent of all penalties.
As a team, Vegas has been penalized just 3.2 times per game overall this season, and 2.2 per game over its last five games home outings. The team has had to kill penalties for just 6.2 minutes per game over its last 10 matchups, in total.
Averaging 27.7 saves per game with a .927 save percentage, Marc-Andre Fleury (29-17-4) has been the best option in goal for the Golden Knights this year. If they decide to give him the night off, however, Vegas may go with Malcolm Subban (15-7-7 record, .910 save percentage, 2.68 goals against average).
William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault will both look to continue their strong seasons for the Golden Knights. Karlsson (78 points) has produced 43 goals and 35 assists and has recorded multiple points on 19 different occasions this year. Marchessault has 27 goals and 48 assists to his credit and has notched at least one point in 46 games.
Over on the other bench, Los Angeles is 45-37 straight up (SU) and has earned 2.0 units for moneyline bettors this year. A total of 42 of its matches have gone under the total, while 37 have gone over and just three have pushed. Los Angeles’ 22-19 SU as an away team this season.
Los Angeles has converted on 20.4 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked first overall and it’s successfully killed off 85.0 percent of all penalties.
Los Angeles’ skaters have been called for penalties 3.8 times per game in total this season, and 2.4 per game over their last five road outings. The team’s had to defend opponent power plays just 5.7 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Jonathan Quick (2.40 goals against average and .921 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Los Angeles. Quick is averaging 26.9 saves per game and owns a 33-31-3 record.
For the visiting Kings, the offense will run through Anze Kopitar, who has 57 assists and 35 goals on the year.
Los Angeles Kings at Vegas Golden Knights Free Picks
Prediction: SU Winner – Golden Knights, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Trends
The over has hit in four of Vegas’ last five games.
Los Angeles has attempted 31.0 shots per game overall this season (ranked 23rd in the NHL), and 28.0 in its last five road outings.
Penalties and power plays may prove to be even more critical than usual tonight. The Kings are 18-12 in games where they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent and 31-21 when they’re in the penalty box for fewer than 10 minutes, total. The Golden Knights are 20-12 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than the opposition and 40-20 when they’re in the box for less than 10 minutes.
Vegas skaters have averaged 11.2 takeaways per game over its last five home games, an improvement over its season average of 10.4 takeaways per game (ranked 2nd overall).
Los Angeles has created 6.2 takeaways per game over its last five road games, an improvement over its season average of 4.8 takeaways per game (ranked 32nd).
Vegas could hold the upper hand if it’s a tight one late. The team’s 22-16 in games decided by one goal, while Los Angeles is 14-19 in such games.
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