Two games featuring all the teams in California have some pretty high stakes in the playoff race in the west. Plus a team out to prove they are close to competing as soon as next season.
New Jersey Devils (-145) vs Anaheim Ducks (+120)
The New Jersey Devils have been one of the sneakiest teams to bet for on any given night. They have been hindered by injuries, but a Jack Hughes-led team is dangerous and can put up big points. There’s no denying he’s broken out this season with 44 points in 38 games. Jesper Bratt is another player to keep an eye on as he continues to fly under the radar in New Jersey, recording 55 points in 53 games to date.
The Anaheim Ducks started the season strong but leveled out. It has gotten even worse as of late because their team is without five key players, including Ryan Getzlaf, Trevor Zegras, Josh Manson, Jakob Silfverberg, and Sam Steel. They are 3-8-1 in their past 12 games and have lost two in a row coming into tonight’s matchup.
The first time these teams met this season went in favour of the Ducks 4-0, but those were two very different teams. This time the Devils are the ones with the advantage and with such a depleted lineup for the Ducks, the value is good to bet the Devils money line.
San Jose Sharks (+110) vs Los Angeles Kings (-135)
At first glance, you would think the Los Angeles Kings should take this game fairly easily. But injuries once again play a factor as Drew Doughty, Mikey Anderson, and Viktor Arvidsson are expected to be out for the game. The San Jose Sharks recently got back Erik Karlsson from injury and he made his mark with two assists in his return which they came from behind 3-1 and won the game in overtime.
The Sharks have taken both matchups this year, the last game I just mentioned and a 6-2 victory at home. You can find good value in going with the underdog in the Sharks for this matchup and hope they stay undefeated against the Kings this season.
The top pairing being out for the Kings will surely affect the number of goals in the game, as they should allow more chances and the Sharks should once again be running with their rookie goaltender Zach Sawchenko who won his first career game vs the Kings. For some very good value, the over is just 5.5 (-120) and is worth betting on.
