Los Angeles Kings (16-6-4) vs. San Jose Sharks (9-18-3)
Kings vs. Sharks 12/19/23 – The Los Angeles Kings’ 16-6-4 record and San Jose Sharks’ 9-18-3 mark make their upcoming NHL regular season clash at SAP Center at San Jose on Tuesday a must-watch contest, promising fans and bettors a thrilling showdown that promises NHL free predictions for this major event. While the Kings look poised to build upon recent success while San Jose are hoping to reverse their downward slide during this high-stakes contest.
The Kings’ offense has been instrumental to their rise this season. Led by Anze Kopitar, Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala – Anze has recorded 11 goals and 15 assists while Kempe boasts 9 goals and 17 assists combined; Kevin Fiala offers depth with 6 goals and 20 assists; these trio’s performance will be essential against a Sharks defense that has displayed weaknesses through losses and goals against average.
Conversely, Tomas Hertl, Mikael Granlund and William Eklund of the Sharks offense face an uphill battle against Kings’ defensive capabilities. Hertl must use every opportunity afforded him against them while Granlund’s playmaking abilities (16 assists) and Eklund’s scoring potential could prove crucial – yet their effectiveness may be in question due to Kings’ recent defensive strength and recent form.
Kings vs. Sharks 12/19/23 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | SAP Center at San Jose |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Cam Talbot vs. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood
In net for the Kings is a veteran goaltender, Cam Talbot, putting together a stellar season between the pipes. He sports an impressive .927 save percentage along with a sparkling 2.03 goals against average. Facing 29 shots per contest, he has shown the capability to withstand high shot totals from opponents. A poised puck stopper, he plays with control and stability in the crease. His glove hand is quick and he moves well laterally to take away scoring angles. With a veteran presence, he provides a steadying influence on his teammates and rarely gets rattled. Going up against a struggling offensive team, he should be positioned to dominate the game defensively.
On the other side, the Sharks trot out a young goaltender, Mackenzie Blackwood who has hit rocky times this season. While flashing potential in stretches, he has ultimately been unable to provide consistency in the net this year. Prone to allowing soft goals at inopportune times, he lets games slip away when his team needs steadying goalkeeping. He battles hard but can lose focus and control of his positioning when under siege. Not yet at the stage of his career where he can single-handedly steal games, he will need the defense to play sharp in front of him to have a chance in this matchup. But at just 25 years old, he has room to improve if he can build confidence.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Totak Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but considering the current standings and team performances, insights and recommendations lean towards the Kings. Bettors should closely monitor the puckline and moneyline as they become available to gauge the perceived matchup balance.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Trends
The Kings have excelled against the spread recently, covering in three of their past five contests. They have also dominated on the road with an 8-6 ATS record in away matchups this year. The over has hit in seven of LA’s last 13 road games as well, indicative of their offensive success outside of Los Angeles.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
Conversely, the Sharks have floundered from a betting perspective with a 1-4 ATS record in their last five overall. At home, San Jose hasn’t fared much better with a 6-10 mark versus the number this season. On the plus side, totals have gone over in five of the Sharks’ previous 14 home matchups, including three of their past five at the SAP Center.
Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks 12/19/23 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis and betting trends, the Kings seem to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their offensive prowess and solid goaltending position them favorably against the Sharks. However, the unpredictable nature of hockey, especially in a high-stakes game like this, suggests caution.
The better pick appears to be the Kings, considering their current form and the Sharks’ struggles. Prop bets, over/under considerations, and other betting angles should align with these trends. Bettors looking for expert premium picks might lean towards a conservative approach, given the unpredictability of the NHL.
Free Pick and Prediction: Los Angeles Kings 4, San Jose Sharks 2