Los Angeles Kings at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and predictions
The Los Angeles Kings (26-16-10) take on the Pittsburgh Penguins (24-20-7) Sunday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Kings vs. Penguinsodds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Kings are on the back end of a back-to-back after a 5-4 overtime win in Boston Saturday. The 5 goals were the most they've scored in 11 games. The winner came from D Brandt Clarke, who made his 1st NHL goal a memorable one. C Anze Kopitar tied the game with a power-play goal with just 1:35 left to go in the 3rd.
The Pens snapped a 3-game losing streak with a 4-1 collection of 2 points Thursday at the Chicago Blackhawks. C Sidney Crosby scored his 29th and 30th goals to lead the charge. This game will be a special one as the Penguins lift RW Jaromir Jagr's No. 68 into the rafters. Crosby and Co. sit 7 points out of a Wild Card spot, and if they're going to make a push -- the time is now.
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Kings at Penguins odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 11:46 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Kings +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Penguins -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Kings +1.5 (-225) | Penguins -1.5 (+185)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Kings at Penguins projected goalies
Cam Talbot (14-13-5, 2.63 GAA, .909 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Tristan Jarry (14-16-4, 2.52 GAA, .913 SV%, 6 SO)
David Rittich is running as the starter right now, and for good reason. Talbot is winless in his past 10 starts since Dec. 23. He came on in relief Tuesday and allowed 2 goals on 7 shots to the Buffalo Sabres. He went 0-6-2 with a 4.28 GAA and .873 SV% in 8 January starts.
Jarry was shattered in a 5-2 loss to the Florida Panthers Wednesday. He allowed 5 goals on 23 shots. He looked rattled as he allowed 4 consecutive 2nd period goals. Jarry was great in his 3rd start last season, stopping 39 of 40 the Kings fired his way in a 6-1 win.
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Kings at Penguins picks and predictions
Prediction
Penguins 4, Kings 3
Moneyline
The Pens are 13-9-3 at home, and they have won 4 of the last 5 meetings against the Kings there. While Jarry was jarred in his last start, he is by far the more reliable netminder here. Talbot was an All-Star, but he is not playing like it.
Take the PENGUINS -130 on Jagr's day.
Puck line/Against the spread
No thanks to either side of the puck line here. Instead, let's go for it.
Crosby is the quintessential leader. In some ways, he has been unheralded with Alex Ovechkin chasing Wayne Gretzky's goals record. What do leaders do? They step up when it counts. The Pens need victories, and the greatest goalscorer in Penguins history is having his jersey retired. Crosby gets a goal. Take SIDNEY CROSBY ANYTIME GOALSCORER +125.
Over/Under
It's a little surprising to see the total at 6 and not 6.5 here with the way Talbot has been playing.
This matchup has netted 7+ goals in 4 of 5 games, and the one time it didn't was a 6-0 finish.
Run to the book and take OVER 6 (-105) right now.
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