The Vancouver Canucks will be hell bound on revenge after losing 3-2 to the LA Kings. The Canucks sit in fifth place in the West, while the LA Kings sit five points back from a playoff spot. The Vancouver Canucks (34-23-3-6) host the LA Kings (29-28-2-7) for some bone crunching NHL action. Both teams are split at five a piece, but the Kings are 0-4 in Vancouver. NHL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Canucks as -230 moneyline favs over the Kings with the over/under set at 5 ½ goals. Get your Vancouver Canucks vs LA Kings Free NHL Pick in now at Sportsbook.com
The Kings recently beat the Canucks 3-2 at home thanks to goals from Denis Gauthier and two from Jarret Stoll. Goalie Jonathan Quick stopped 20 of 22 shots for a 16-11-1 record with a 2.60 GAA and a .909 SVPCT. The Kings are looking to carry some momentum onto the road after sweeping a three-game homestand with Monday's win. During that stretch, Los Angeles also defeated Minnesota and Dallas, taking three meetings with teams ahead of it in the playoff chase. The Kings have dropped four in a row at Vancouver. Center Anze Kopitar, who had his four-game goal streak halted Monday, has eight points over the last five. He leads the Kings with 58pts and has four points – all assists – in four career games at Vancouver. The Kings are 13-15-0-1 on the road where they average 2.52 GAG and give up an average 2.93 GAG. They are 1-4 SU in their last five road games where they’ve averaged 2.00 GAG and given up an average 2.80 GAG.
The Canucks recently lost to the Ducks 3-4 OT on the road despite goals from Alexandre Burrows, Kyle Wellwood and Ryan Kesler. Goalie Roberto Luongo stopped 37 of 41 shots for a 23-9-6 record with a 2.47 GAA and a .916 SVPCT. Luongo is 7-0 on home ice with a 1.86 GAA. The Canucks have certainly enjoyed being at home of late, winning seven in a row, all in regulation. That streak, which has followed a nine-game slide at GM Place, is their longest since an eight-game run from Dec. 8, 2006-Jan. 7, 2007. Ryan Kesler, tied with Alex Burrows for second on the team with 20 goals, has played a big part in the Canucks' recent success at home, scoring seven goals and adding seven assists in the last eight there. The Canucks are 18-11-1-3 at home where they average 3.12 GAG and give up an average 2.45 GAG. They are 5-0 SU in their last five home games where they’ve averaged 3.20 GAG and given up an average 1.40 GAG.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Vancouver.
- Road team is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
- Underdog is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
- Canucks are 5-0 in their last 5 games as a home favorite.
- Canucks are 7-0 in their last 7 home games.
- Canucks are 5-0 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
- Canucks are 6-1 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
- Canucks are 9-2 in their last 11 games as a favorite.
Vancouver Canucks vs LA Kings Free NHL Pick
When: Fri, Mar 13, 2009 10:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Canucks -230
Point-Spreads.com Vancouver Canucks vs LA Kings Free NHL Pick
The Bottom Line: The Canucks have been money in the bank at home and Luongo is better on home ice. Go Canucks! Get your Vancouver Canucks vs LA Kings Free NHL Pick in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
