NHL Betting Guide: Friday 3/19/21
Friday night is the stepping-off point for another busy weekend of hockey. We're looking at a five-game slate tonight, followed by 14 games tomorrow and four more on Sunday. With a schedule like that, March Madness isn't limited to the basketball court.
Here are a few plays from our daily projections!
Los Angeles Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Kings moneyline (+150): 3-Star Rating Out of 5
Kings +1.5 (-166): 4-Star Rating Out of 5
The Los Angeles Kings continue to get it done on home ice. The Kings have 14 of a possible 24 points on home ice and have won four of their last six.
From an advanced perspective, they are flat out dominating over their last five. The Kings have posted expected goals-for percentages of 53.0% or higher, with three of those checking in north of 60.0%. They are stifling their opponents by holding them to 23.6 shots and 23.0 scoring chances over that span.
That could mean trouble for a Vegas Golden Knights squad that has managed 25 or fewer scoring chances in four of their last six. The Golden Knights have also struggled on the road, attempting more than 6 high-danger chances and 25 scoring opportunities, just once over their last four road games.
The Kings should be fresh as this is only their second game since Monday and third over the last eight nights. This will be the Knights' fifth game in eight nights.
You can play it safe and back the Kings as underdogs on the puckline, which is a four-star play, according to our projections. Alternatively, there's also an advantage in backing them on the moneyline, rated as a three-star play. Considering the Kings' recent run of success, that's where my money will be.
San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues
Over 6.5 (+108) 1-Star Rating Out of 5
The San Jose Sharks have been toothless so far this season. If not for the nine points they have against the Sharks through five games, they could be further down the standings.
From an advanced perspective, the Sharks are in a bit of a lull. They have posted an expected goals for percentage of 45.5% or lower in four of their last six and are giving up a dangerous amount of opportunities. Over the six-game sample, opponents are averaging 32.0 shots, 13.3 high-danger chances, and 29.7 scoring chances.
San Jose's goaltending has been surprisingly efficient during this span by stopping 92.7% of shots. It's unlikely that will continue if the Sharks continue to give up an alarming amount of chances.
The St. Louis Blues aren't without their own concerns, particularly on the defensive end. The Blues are allowing 29.6 scoring chances and 12.8 high-danger chances over their last nine games. As expected, that has resulted in 3.9 goals against per game.
Defense will only be a suggestion in this one, and both teams should fire at will. That should lead to a high-scoring game as the Blues' goalies have struggled recently, and the Sharks' inflated save percentage should start to work back down. The over 6.5 is a 1-star play, as per our projections.
