The Los Angeles Kings (-135) head to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets (+115) at Nationwide Arena on Sunday. The total is 6.5 (O: +100, U: -120)Los Angeles (15-11-4) is playing the second of a back-to-back after earning a 4-2 win over the Canadiens yesterday.
Four players found the net for the Kings. Pheonix Copley saved 20 of 22 shots in the win. Columbus (9-15-2) beat the Flames 3-1 on Friday. Patrik Laine, Sean Kuraly, and Eric Robinson scored one apiece for the Blue Jackets. Elvis Merzlikins saved 19 of 20 shots in the win (.950%).
HEAD TO HEAD
The Kings won both games between the teams last season, including a 2-1 victory in their final meeting in April. Dustin Brown and Phillip Danault were on the scoresheet for Los Angeles. Kuraly scored Columbus’ only goal. Jonathan Quick got the win, saving 21 of 22 shots (.954%).
FACING OFF
Los Angeles is averaging 3.33 goals per game for the season, 12th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Blue Jackets team that is allowing 4.04 goals a game (31st). Meanwhile, Columbus has found the net 2.85 times a game on average, 26th in the league, and the Kings are allowing opponents to score 3.53 goals per game (23rd).
The Blue Jackets’ 12.86% power play percentage is the worst in the league, while the Kings rank 10th with a conversion rate of 24.53%. In terms of defending power plays, Columbus has the league’s 20th-ranked PK% at 77.01%, while Los Angeles is 26th at 72.73%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 31 points this season, Kevin Fiala is the top skater for the Kings. He has nine goals and 22 assists in 30 games. In the net, Quick (8-8-2) is Los Angeles’ top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 3.42 GAA and a .887% save percentage.
Johnny Gaudreau leads the Blue Jackets in scoring with 28 points. He has nine goals and 19 assists in 26 games. Joonas Korpisalo (4-5-1) has the best goals against average for Columbus at 3.53. He has a save percentage of .903%.
HOME AND AWAY
Los Angeles is 8-6-2 away from home this season. Columbus is 7-10-1 at home this season. Meanwhile, the Kings are 1-2 without a day off and 1-2 playing with a rest disadvantage. The Blue Jackets are 1-3 with a rest advantage.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Columbus Blue Jackets (+125)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
