The New York Islanders (16-4-2) finish the West Coast trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Kings (9-13-2) at Staples Center Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Kings odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.
Islanders at Kings: Projected starting goalies
Semyon Varlamov vs. Jonathan Quick
Varlamov is the expected starter against the Kings. The 31-year old goaltender is 7-2-2 on the season and compiled a 2.63 goals against average and .913 save percentage. Varlamov looked more like himself against San Jose in his last start — allowing two goals on 26 shots in an overtime loss.
Quick has played 16 games with the Kings. He has a 6-9-1 record with a .881 SV% and 3.47 GAA. He stopped 21 of 25 shots against San Jose in his last start in an overtime loss.
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Islanders at Kings: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Islanders 3, Kings 2
Moneyline (ML)
The ISLANDERS (-139) got a much-needed rest after losing to the Anaheim Ducks Monday. New York faces a team somewhat stingy defensively, as Los Angeles is second in the league in shots allowed at just under 29 a game. However, Los Angeles yields over three goals a game with an opportunistic Islanders offense that has more firepower. Our pick is the ISLANDERS.
A $10 bet with New York results in a $7.19 profit with an outright win for the Islanders.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
With the Islanders and Kings, we are hitting the AVOID here. New York tends to play close to the vest and Los Angeles is stingy as far as scoring chances at home. This should be a close game.
Over/Under (O/U)
The UNDER 5.5 (-129) is a decent play given that Los Angeles has scored less than three goals a game after its hot start and New York scores less than three goals a game on the road.
Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a $7.75 profit with a total of five or less goals scored.
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