San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings 12/27/23 – The upcoming NHL regular season clash between the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings is setting up to be an intriguing matchup. The Sharks, struggling with a 9-22-3 standing, face off against the more formidable Kings, who boast a 19-7-4 record. This game, scheduled for Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at the Crypto.com Arena, promises to be a significant event for NHL free picks, considering the contrasting fortunes of the two teams this season.
San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings 12/27/23
When: Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET
Where: Crypto.com Arena
TV: ESPN+
Stream: NHL.TV
San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings 12/27/23 Betting Odds:
| Team | PUCKLINE | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharks | +1.5 +120 | o6 -113 | +291 |  |
| Kings | -1.5 -140 | u6 -103 | -335 | |
| ||||
The best way to spread Sharks cheer is yelling loud "LET'S GO SHARKS" for all to hear 🦈🗣️ pic.twitter.com/LcoGW7LOUk
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) December 24, 2023
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood vs. Goaltender Cam Talbot
Mackenzie Blackwood has had a difficult season as goaltender of the Sharks. His 4-14 record and 3.92 goals against average and save percentage of 0.889 are indicative of this difficulty. Against an offense like that of Los Angeles Kings’ forwards however, Blackwood must utilize his experience and increase his shootout save percentage from its current mark of 0.625 to give the team a fighting chance against them.
Cam Talbot of the Kings stands in stark contrast, boasting 14 wins in 22 games and an outstanding 2.06 goals-against average. His 0.925 save percentage could prove instrumental in neutralizing Sharks attacks; furthermore, Talbot could prove especially pivotal during shootouts where his performance boasts a remarkable 0.6 save percentage; making Talbot an essential component in their defensive strategy.
Analyzing the Sharks: A Deep Dive
San Jose’s season has been beset by inconsistency, as evidenced by their team leaders’ performances. Tomas Hertl, with 12 goals and 15 assists, leads the squad, but his -15 plus/minus rating indicates cause for alarm. Mikael Granlund and William Eklund have made contributions that deserve praise, yet overall performance – including Eklund’s concerning -13 plus/minus rating – illustrates their team’s difficulty both offensively and defensively.
The Kings’ Formidable Line-Up
The Kings present a different picture, led by Anze Kopitar’s 13 goals and 18 assists. Adrian Kempe’s +14 plus/minus rating as well as Kevin Fiala’s balanced contributions demonstrate their team performance well. Combined together, their strong offensive strategy combined with their staunch defense makes the Kings an intimidating foe in any league competition.
NHL Betting Odds: Los Angeles Kings -385, Over/Under: TBD
The current betting odds heavily favor the Los Angeles Kings, with a -385 moneyline, reflecting their superior season performance. The Sharks, at a moneyline of +290, are clear underdogs, but the unpredictability of NHL games offers a glimmer of hope for those betting against the odds.
Trends
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Jose’s last 11 games.
San Jose are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games.
San Jose are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games against Los Angeles.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Jose’s last 8 games on the road.
San Jose are 14-6 SU in their last 20 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles.
San Jose are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games against an opponent in the Western Conference conference.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Los Angeles’ last 17 games.
Los Angeles are 11-5 SU in their last 16 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles’ last 6 games against San Jose.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Los Angeles’ last 9 games at home.
Los Angeles are 6-14 SU in their last 20 games when playing at home against San Jose.
Los Angeles are 12-3 SU in their last 15 games against an opponent in the Western Conference conference.
San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings Betting Picks
Considering the stats and trends, the Kings are poised to continue their winning ways, making them a safe bet. The Sharks, despite their underdog status, might offer value for those looking to take a risk. In terms of prop bets, focusing on individual performances like Kopitar’s scoring or Talbot’s saves could be lucrative.
For those exploring top betting websites, this game presents interesting dynamics. The Kings are likely to dominate, but the Sharks’ potential for an upset cannot be entirely dismissed. The over/under bet will depend on the final odds, but considering the Sharks’ trend towards high-scoring games, betting on ‘over’ might be a wise choice.
Score Prediction: Kings 4, Sharks 2.
