The Toronto Maple Leafs (35-24-8) continue their road trip through SoCal against the Los Angeles Kings (25-35-6) Thursday at Staples Center at 10:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Kings sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Maple Leafs at Kings: Projected starting goalies
Frederik Andersen vs. Jonathan Quick
Andersen has rolled up a 28-13-6 record, 2.96 goals against average and .906 save percentage across his 50 starts so far this season. Jack Campbell, the former Kings goalie, was roughed up in San Jose last time out, so the All-Star will get the nod Thursday. Andersen allowed just one goal on 25 shots in a 3-1 win against the Kings in the first meeting, Nov. 5.
Quick was on the opposite side of the 3-1 loss in Toronto, making 20 saves on 23 shots. He is 14-22-4 with a 2.91 GAA and .901 SV%. He has picked up wins in three of his past four outings, going 3-0-1 since Feb. 9.
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Maple Leafs at Kings: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Maple Leafs 4, Kings 2
Moneyline (ML)
The Maple Leafs (-182) are heavy favorites on the road, and a little too rich for my blood, especially since they’re just 1-4 in their past five as a road favorite and 1-4 in their past five trips to LA. AVOID a ML play.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Maple Leafs ML returns a profit of $5.50 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Kings (+150) results in a profit of $15.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The MAPLE LEAFS (-1.5, +145) are worth a small-unit play at this price, although they might need a late empty-net goal to get over the hump. The Kings (+1.5, -176) are not worth the risk on the flip side.
Over/Under (O/U)
The UNDER 6.5 (-139) is a solid play, although the juice is a little high for my liking. Still, the Under is 10-4-1 in the past 15 meetings in this series, including the first battle in Toronto, and 6-2 in the previous eight contests at Staples Center.
Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
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