NHL Betting Picks, Predictions, Analysis, and Probability for Thursday Slate
By Matt Klett
Thursday, October 17th.
Buffalo Sabres @ LA Kings
-117. 67. Prediction. +106. 12
Goalies:
BUF Carter Hutton
4-0-0 W/L, 1.74 GAA, 0.931 SV%
LAK Jonathan Quick
0-3-0 W/L, 6.4 GAA, 0.793 SV%
NHL Betting Pick #9:
Standings and Current Record:
The Buffalo Sabres are currently 5-0-1 atop of the Atlantic Division with 11 points. They’re off to a surprising start. Can they keep it up or return back to reality?
The LA Kings are 2-4, tied for last place in the Pacific Division. Another team looking to rebuild back into a playoff contender. Here is how they matchup:
Rankings:
Buffalo ranks 3rd in goals for and 4th in goals against. Their power play ranks best in the league, and their penalty kill ranks 20th.
The Kings rank 13th in goals scored and 30th in goals allowed. They give up a ton chances and now have to go up against the NHL’s best power play. Their power-play ranks 27th and penalty kill ranks 27th.
Betting Trends:
The Sabres are 7-2 in their last nine games but just 2-16 in their last eighteen road games.
The Kings are 2-4 in their last six games but 7-1 in their last eight games at home vs Buffalo.
Previous Games and Goal Differential:
The Sabres have wins over Dallas, Florida, Montreal, New Jersey and Pittsburgh. Their lone loss is to Columbus. They are outscoring opponents 25-13. What a margin.
The Kings have wins over Nashville and Calgary. They have losses to Carolina, Vegas, Vancouver and Edmonton. They are being outscored 28-20.
Analysis:
With Buffalo coming off a tough loss last night, and coming out tonight with a hot goaltender, I like them in this one. They’re going to bounce back and continue their great start to the season. Go with Buffalo.
% Chance to Win: Sabres 50%