The Los Angeles Kings (29-18-7) travel to meet the Dallas Stars (29-20-3) Wednesday at American Airlines Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Kings vs. Stars odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Kings had a five-game win streak snapped when they were blasted 7-0 by the Boston Bruins Monday. Los Angeles had averaged 4.2 goals per game during the win streak.
The Stars doubled up the Buffalo Sabres 4-2 last time out Sunday, winning for the fourth time in their last five outings at home. Dallas is looking for revenge after losing 4-0 at Los Angeles in the most recent meeting Dec. 9.
Kings at Stars odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:07 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Kings +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Stars -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Kings +1.5 (-190) | Stars -1.5 (+145)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Kings at Stars projected goalies
Cal Petersen (14-7-1, 2.68 GAA, .898 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Jake Oettinger (17-6-1, 2.25 GAA, .923 SV%, 1 SO)
Petersen came on in relief of Jonathan Quick last time out, as the latter coughed up 5 goals against Boston Monday. Petersen yielded just 2 goals on 13 shots in relief.
Oettinger allowed just 2 goals on 40 shots against the Sabres Sunday as he went 6-2-0 with a 1.96 GAA with a .937 SV% and 1 shutout across nine starts in the month of February.
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Kings at Stars odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Stars 3, Kings 2
Money line
The STARS (-155) are moderate favorites on home ice, and they’re a good play. The Kings were destroyed last time out, as the Bruins cooled them off with a 7-0 whitewashing.
The Stars have won 11 of their last 16 games overall, and they’re 24-9 in the past 33 games at home, including 18-6 in the past 24 as a home favorite. On the other hand, the Kings are just 2-6 in the past eight games against teams with a winning overall record.
Against the spread
The Kings +1.5 (-190) are just a little too expensive for my liking if you want a little insurance, as the visitors will cost you almost two times your potential return. While four of the past six victories for the Stars have been by exactly one goal, this is just too much risk.
PASS.
Over/Under
The UNDER 5.5 (-108) is the play based upon the trends for the Stars, as well as the series trends.
The Under is 6-0-1 across the past seven games for the Stars, while going 3-0-1 in the past four as a favorite. The Under is also 14-6 in the past 20 games for Dallas against teams with a winning record.
In this series, the Under is 4-1 in the past five meetings in Dallas while also going 4-1 in the past five meetings overall in the series.
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