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The Pittsburgh Penguins (37-18-6) will square off with the Los Angeles Kings (22-35-6) Wednesday at Staples Center at 10:30 p.m. ET (on NBCSN). We analyze the Penguins-Kings sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Penguins at Kings: Projected starting goalies
Matt Murray vs. Jonathan Quick
Murray is expected to make the start in L.A. He enters with a 17-9-5 record, 2.84 goals against average and .901 save percentage with one shutout this season. All-Star Tristan Jarry faced the Kings in the first meeting Dec. 14 in the Steel City when the Pens claimed a 5-4 shootout victory. Jarry allowed four goals on 42 shots to get the win. However, he is coming off a 5-2 loss against the Buffalo Sabres Saturday, so look for Murray to get the nod.
Quick was on the short end of that 5-4 shootout loss in December, making 23 saves on 27 shots. He has won two of his past three outings, and allowed just one goal on 31 shots last time out against a good Colorado Avalanche team in a 2-1 shootout loss Saturday.
Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.
Penguins 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 8:45 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Penguins 4, Kings 2
Moneyline (ML)
The Penguins (-209) are just a little too expensive, as you need to risk two and a half times your return. Yes, Pittsburgh won the first meeting at home, but it barely scraped by in a shootout. AVOID a ML play.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Penguins ML returns a profit of $4.78 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Kings (+170) results in a profit of $17.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The PENGUINS (-1.5, +125) are going to be jockeying for seeding in the Eastern Conference, while the Kings (+1.5, -154) are simply playing out the string. Yes, the last meeting was decided in a shootout, but the Pens are easily the better team and are worth a small-unit play laying the puck line. The Pens have won four of the past five meetings.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 5.5 (-139) is worth a small-unit wager. The Over is 3-1-1 in the past five for the Penguins, while cashing the Over in four straight against the Western Conference. The Kings have had problems scoring goals, and the Under is 9-4-2 in their past 15 at Staples. Still, Pittsburgh could take care of the Over themselves on most nights.
Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
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