San Jose vs Los Angeles Odds, NHL Playoff Series Picks

If I am being totally honest, the Pacific Division was something of a letdown this season. The Calgary Flames proved to be a one season wonder, and the arrival of Connor McDavid in Edmonton was cut short due to a shoulder injury that kept him out for months. It ended up being no real surprise that the three California based teams became the Pacific Division representatives in the postseason, and now two of them are going to have to go head to head in the opening round. There were only 4 points separating the LA Kings and the San Jose Sharks at the end of the regular season, which gives you a good idea of just how well matched these two teams are. You can make a very solid argument for either one of these teams in this pro hockey playoff betting match-up, and you have to say that this looks very much like a series that could go the full 7 games. The Kings have won the Cup a couple of times in the past few years, and will be looking to add a third to the trophy room, but they know they will be in for a battle here. Game 1 of this series will go on Thursday, April 14 in LA at 10:30 PM EST. You can catch the action on CNBC, and bet on the series at MyBookie.ag.

San Jose Sharks vs LA Kings NHL Playoffs Odds Analysis

#SJSharks face the #LAKings for the fourth time in six seasons. #StanleyCup https://t.co/YDT8uXBKPA pic.twitter.com/0ErEX4g1Aq
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 11, 2016

Why bet on the San Jose Sharks to win the series

There will be a little bit of revenge in the air for the Sharks, as they will be looking to get back at the Kings for the opening round defeat handed to them back in 2014. This is a series that the Sharks can most certainly win, and you need to remember that they went 3-1-1 versus the Kings in the regular season. In order to get the series win, San Jose are going to have to be opportunistic in front of goal. The best chance of them doing that is by taking advantage of their extra man chances, The Sharks has a top 3 PP unit in the regular season, and those goals can make a huge difference in a close series. San Jose are averaging 2.9 GPG, and are giving up 2.5 GPG.

Why bet on the LA KIngs to win the series

Playoff experience can play a major role in a team making a deep run in the postseason, and the Kings are one team that had that in oodles. They have won the cup twice in recent years, and have a goaltender in Jonathan Quick who seems to revel in the stressful atmosphere of playoff hockey. Ironically, it is Quick’s former backup who will be between the pipes for the Sharks, adding even more intrigue to an already great looking series. The Kings were not at their best against the Sharks in the regular season, but this is a different team come postseason time. LA are averaging 2.7 GPG, and are giving up 2.3 GPG.

Expert pick and series prediction

Playoff success so often comes down to great goaltending, and the Kings have a guys between the pipes with nothing left to prove in that department. Quick may be the difference maker in what is sure to be a long, tough series. My Series Prediction: LA Kings in 7.