The San Jose Sharks visit the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night, with puck drop set for 10:00 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Los Angeles is a -166 favorite on the Moneyline, while the total is set at O/U 6.5 goals.
Below, I’ll break down the matchup and provide my top Kings vs. Sharks prediction and best bet.
Kings vs. Sharks Odds
| Market | San Jose Sharks | Los Angeles Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +140 | -166 |
| Puck Line | +1.5 (-185) | -1.5 (+154) |
| Total | Over 6.5 (+105) | Under 6.5 (-125) |
Kings vs. Sharks Betting Preview
Los Angeles Kings Outlook
Los Angeles has allowed the fourth-fewest high-danger shots (29) and owns a middle-of-the-pack 49.7% xGoals share (16th), but it has scored just 36 goals on 39.6 xGoals and posted a poor 1-4-0 home record. Adrian Kempe (three goals on 6.0 xGoals) and Alex Laferriere (two goals on 5.2 xGoals) have been the club’s biggest finishing letdowns, while Artemi Panarin has carried the load with a team-high eight goals and 13 points. The Kings control 63.8% of the xGoals with Panarin on the ice, but injuries have plagued them thus far, as Kempe missed Saturday’s game with an undisclosed injury and is day-to-day. Plus, both Kevin Fiala (lower leg) and Mats Zuccarello (upper body) remain on injured reserve.
The Kings’ penalty kill has been leaky, too, allowing 13 goals on just 8.0 xGoals while shorthanded. Darcy Kuemper is likely to start after winning each of his past four starts, though he allowed five goals on 22 shots in last Thursday’s 6-5 overtime win over Ottawa. His -3.7 GSAx ranks 63rd among 74 goaltenders, and his -0.85% SV% above expected ranks 51st.
San Jose Sharks Outlook
San Jose gives up a ton of quality chances, allowing a league-high 3.86 xGoals against per 60, but strong goaltending from both of the club’s netminders has kept it afloat, with just 53 goals allowed on 63.2 xGoals. Yaroslav Askarov should receive the starting nod tonight after stopping 20 of 22 shots in Monday’s 2-1 loss to Calgary. His +6.2 GSAx ranks eighth, while his +1.01% SV% above expected ranks 15th.
The Sharks have been pretty unlucky offensively, scoring 20 goals on 28.9 xGoals at 5v5, and they’ve scored only one goal in each of their past two outings. The overall chance creation has picked up lately, with 3.23 xGoals per 60 over the past 10 games (13th). Plus, they’re tied for the sixth-most high-danger shots this season (43). Macklin Celebrini leads the team with 16 points, and San Jose controls 56.2% of the xGoals with him on the ice, well above its 43.1% share overall, while Will Smith’s six goals lead the club.
Kings vs. Sharks Prediction and Best Bet
Each of the past five meetings between these teams has produced at least seven goals, and both clubs are finishing below their xGoals so far this season. With San Jose allowing the most xGoals in the league, Kuemper struggling and the Kings’ penalty kill giving up goals well beyond its xGoals, I like the Over at plus money.
Best Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (+105)
Advanced stats courtesy of MoneyPuck.
