Free NHL Picks Today: Los Angeles Kings vs Boston Bruins 1/5/23

Free NHL Picks Today: Los Angeles Kings vs Boston Bruins 1/5/23
Thu 5th January 2023

The Boston Bruins (29-4-4) head to take on the Los Angeles Kings (22-13-6) at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday. Boston is coming off a 2-1 win over the Penguins on Monday. Jake DeBrusk was the only player to find the net, scoring twice for the Bruins. Linus Ullmark saved an impressive 26 of 27 shots (.962%) in the win.

Los Angeles beat the Stars 3-2 on Tuesday. Rasmus Kupari, Anze Kopitar, and Adrian Kempe each scored once for the Kings. Kevin Fiala had two assists to lead the team in scoring. Pheonix Copley was impressive in the win, making 28 saves (.933%).

HEAD TO HEAD

The Kings won the first meeting between the teams this season, a 3-2 (SO) victory in December. Kempe (2G 0A) and Fiala (0G 2A) each had two points to lead Los Angeles. Brad Marchand and Taylor Hall were on the scoresheet for Boston. Copley got the win, saving 33 of 35 shots (.942%).

FACING OFF

Boston is averaging 3.73 goals per game for the season, second in the NHL, and they are taking on a Kings team that is allowing 3.39 goals a game (23rd).

Meanwhile, Los Angeles has found the net 3.20 times a game on average, 16th in the league, and the Bruins are holding opponents to a league-best 2.16 goals per game.

Boston averages more shots/game (34.8) than most teams in the league, ranking fourth, while the team’s 10.9% shooting percentage is eighth. Los Angeles has struggled with stopping shots, ranking No. 31 with a team save percentage of .886%.

The Bruins’ 27.01% power play percentage ranks sixth in the league, while the Kings are 13th with a conversion rate of 23.45%. Boston has been equally strong at penalty killing, boasting the league’s highest PK% at 85.07%. Los Angeles ranks 28th at 72.41%.

TOP PERFORMERS:

With 50 points this season, seventh-most in the NHL, David Pastrnak is the top skater for the Bruins. He is among the league leaders with 25 goals (5th) and has added 25 assists.

In the net, Ullmark (21-1-1) is Boston’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 1.86 GAA, best in the league, and a .939% save percentage, also best.Fiala leads the Kings in scoring with 39 points. He has 10 goals and 29 assists in 41 games.

Jonathan Quick (8-9-4) is the top goalie for Los Angeles with a goals against average of 3.40. He has a save percentage of .884%.

HOME AND AWAY

Boston is 10-4-1 on the road this season. Los Angeles is 12-6-2 at home this season.

SportsTips’ NHL Pick:

Boston Bruins (-165)

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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.

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