Los Angeles Kings Odds - Can the Kings be the new Blackhawks?
This year’s Los Angeles Kings odds show the young team from California as a longshot, but no one foresaw Chicago’s massive jump from last season. The Kings have added some veterans to go with their up-and-coming players, and while the Stanley Cup may be out of their reach, a playoff spot is not, and it could net online betting players a big win.
Los Angeles Kings Odds: +6000 to win Stanley Cup
- Scuderi, Smyth bring in veteran leadership
- Lots of good young pieces in Los Angeles
- Quick aims to prove last year’s performance in nets was no fluke
Los Angeles Kings odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
The Kings were third-worst in the league in goals scored, and Anze Kopitar led the team with 66 points. He’ll form a solid top line with Alexander Frolov, who paced the team with 32 goals, and captain Dustin Brown. Ryan Smyth was picked up from Colorado to strengthen the top six, and although he’s headed into his 15th NHL season, the gritty winger can still provide leadership and power-play productivity. The team’s offshore sportsbook chances will also benefit from a healthy Justin Williams, who was a 30-goal scorer in Carolina before a two-year run of injuries. With Kopitar always improving and Frolov headed into his prime, the Kings have to be better this year.
Los Angeles Kings odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
Under Terry Murray, the Kings allowed 32 fewer goals and moved from 27th in the NHL in goals allowed to 14th. Drew Doughty had a monster rookie season, making the all-Rookie team and earning a place at the Team Canada tryouts as a 19-year-old. 37-year-old Sean O’Donnell returned to Los Angeles last year, and the Kings are hoping he can continue to mentor the young Doughty. Rob Scuderi left the Cup-winning Penguins to join the Kings, and he’ll probably be paired up with 22-year-old Jack Johnson, who battled injuries last year.
Los Angeles Kings odds maker breakdown: GOALTENDING
NHL betting players never saw Jon Quick coming as he had a very good second half to snag the No.1 spot in goal, posting a 21-18-2 mark with a 2.48 GAA and a .914 save percentage. Now, the key this year is proving that was no fluke. He’ll be the key to the Kings’ chances this year.
Los Angeles Kings odds maker breakdown: SPECIAL TEAMS
The Kings were 14th on the power play last season, and in the preseason, they had Doughty and Johnson on the point, which is encouraging. Smyth’s presence in front of the net will also help, and Jarret Stoll was a surprising contributor with the man advantage. Los Angeles was also seventh on the penalty kill, and the addition of Scuderi, who was a +23 las season, should bolster that unit. The Kings did manage only four short-handed goals, though.
Los Angeles Kings odds maker breakdown: SEASON OUTLOOK
Chicago are building from the front to the back, while the Kings look to be doing the opposite with Doughty and Johnson on the blue line, and a pair of veterans like O’Donnell and Scuderi. Kopitar and Frolov could be in line for breakout seasons, aided by Brown, Smyth and Williams (if he’s healthy). If Quick plays the way he did over the last 45 games or so of last season and Los Angeles’ snipers can light the lamp more often, the Kings can seriously challenge for a playoff spot.
For more sports betting analysis of the upcoming NHL season, follow Don in betonline.com’s The Betting Edge. Don Melrose is betonline.com's hockey expert.
