Kings vs. Golden Knights Prediction
The expansion Las Vegas Golden Knights have had an unbelievable season. But now that the NHL is moving into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, will the Golden Knights prevail as the pressure gets ratcheted up? They’ll host the L.A. Kings tonight in Game 1 of the conference quarterfinals at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Game Snapshot
(007) Los Angeles Kings at (008) Las Vegas Golden Knights
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
TV: NBCSN
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook YouWager, the Golden Knights are -145 money line favorites to beat the Kings, who currently are +125 underdogs to pull off a Game 1 upset. Our NHL Public Betting Information page shows that 56% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Golden Knights to win on the money line tonight.
Jonathan Quick ready for another Stanley Cup Playoffs for Kings
As expected, Quick will get the nod for Game 1 for the Kings for their first-round series against the Golden Knights. He finished the regular season with a 33-28-3 record, a 2.40 goals-against-average and a .921 save percentage.
Meanwhile, Jake Muzzin is considered questionable for tonight’s opener according to Kings coach John Stephens. Muzzin is unlikely to play based on the fact that he skated as an extra during Wednesday’s morning session. He had a non-contact jersey and stayed out late for extra work. The defenseman is dealing with an upper-body injury.
Marc-Andre Fleury ready to go for Golden Knights in postseason debut
Fleury will be between the pipes for Las Vegas tonight, as he was the first goalie off the ice at the morning skate. In the team’s regular-season finale, Fleury allowed six goals on 18 shots in a 7-1 loss to the Flames. He was otherwise stellar throughout the season, posting a 29-13-4 record with a 2.24 goals-against-average and a .927 save percentage.
The Golden Knights have a slew of injuries that they’re currently dealing with. David Perron (undisclosed) is unlikely to play after staying out late after practice with potential scratches Ryan Reaves, Oscar Lindberg and Brad Hunt. Perron hasn’t played since March 26 due to an undisclosed injury.
Betting Trends
Los Angeles
The Kings are 10-1 in their last 11 games after scoring two goals or less in their previous game and are 4-1 in their last five road games versus a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.
Vegas
The Golden Knights are 28-11 in their last 39 home games and have won 10 of their last 11 home contests versus a team with a winning road record.
Our Prediction
I like the under tonight, which is 5-1 in the Golden Knights’ last six home games and 5-1 in their last six games after scoring two goals or less in their previous contest. The under is also 7-3 in their last 10 games versus Pacific opponents and 5-2 in their last seven games when playing on three or more days of rest.
On the other side, the under is 41-20-13 in the Kings’ last 74 games after scoring two goals or less in their previous contest. I expect both Quick and Fleury to be on top of their games tonight.
Our Prediction: Kings/Golden Knights under 5.5