The Kings look to end their eight game losing streak Monday with efforts from their captain
The Kings are desperate for a win with eight straight losses, looking to not make it nine against Carolina tonight on the road. They’ve been a great road team this season starting off the season with a record 11 straight road wins to start but since have a 2-4-3 record on the road with losses to the Capitals, Islanders and Lightning. The Hurricanes have also been heating up with a 10-1-4 record in their last 15 games and nine wins in their last ten matchups versus the Kings.
It looks like it could be all Hurricanes but maybe the Kings could finally end their losing streak in a surprising win. Here’s what we think will happen with our best bet on Monday’s Kings versus Hurricanes matchup.
All betting lines are from Bet365 and are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
Pick: Over 7.5 goals (+210)
The Kings have a much better chance with 34-year-old Antti Raanta between the pipes, who has a 3.18 goals against average and three or more goals allowed in four of his last six starts. It should help the Kings get an early lead but they will also give up a few goals with expected netminder Cam Talbot. He is two years older than Raanta and has given up three or more goals in six of his last eight starts in net. Both goalies will see a lot of attention in this matchup and it will prove to be the difference maker for which team wins.
Pick: Anze Kopitar over 0.5 points (-160)
Kopitar has been the Kings leading scorer this season with 14 goals and 39 points in 39 games. He’s still been producing in their rough stretch of games with nine assists and ten points in their last ten games. The Kings will come into this game with added attention on the offense and looking to get to Raanta with their top line that has led the way all season with 41 of the team’s 129 goals with Kopitar, Byfield and Kempe placing second through fourth on the team in goals behind second-line winger Trevor Moore. They should get on the board at least once with the Captain getting in on the play.