Vegas NHL Picks and Tips: Los Angeles Kings vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Frank Martin
The Los Angeles Kings aren’t losing any ground despite an offense that has produced only 14 goals in the last eight games. They stand seventh in the Western Conference, four points out of first place in the Pacific Division, after managing only one goal in a pair of losses to start a six-game road trip.
The Kings had two days to find some answers before taking on the suddenly hot Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. The Lightning, last in the NHL in goals against, would seem to be the perfect opponent for the Kings. But Tampa Bay is on a 6-0-1 streak, scoring 26 times, and are 15-7-2 at home. The Kings beat the Lightning both games last season, one in a shootout.
- Los Angeles Kings @ Tampa Bay Lightning
When: 7:30 PM ET, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Where: Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa, Florida
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network
The Lightning have opened as 115-moneyline favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NHL Hockey Odds.
Los Angeles Kings (25-18-10): Los Angeles is averaging 2.09 goals, last in the league, and has scored one or less in eight of the last 14 games. Coach Darryl Sutter has been shuffling his forward units to try and create a spark, including moving physical wing Kyle Clifford to the second line. Anze Kopitar leads the team with 46 points, but no one else has more than 36. Center Mike Richards has one goal in his last 18 games. Goaltender Jonathan Quick (six shutouts) got Saturday off, so he is expected back in net against the Lightning.
Tampa Bay Lightning (23-23-5): Lost in the excitement of Martin St Louis’ hat trick Saturday was Vincent Lecavalier’s first four-point night of the season. The Lightning captain has scored 20 goals for 12 straight seasons and is on track for his best goal production since 2007-08 when he had 40. St. Louis has a point in nine straight games, the NHL’s longest active streak, recording 16 points. Steven Stamkos has 18 goals in 22 games. Dwayne Roloson, who has played in only one of the last eight games, is expected to start in goal.
1. The Kings lead the league in hits with 1,459 and Tampa Bay is 19th with 1,087.
2. St. Louis’ hat trick Saturday was the fifth of his career and first since Oct. 26, 2006.
3. Los Angeles is 4 for 11 on the power play in the last four games.
NHL PREDICTION: Lightning 3, Kings 2
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anze kopitar - darryl sutter - dwayne roloson - jonathan quick - kyle clifford - los angeles kings - martin st louis - mike richards - steven stamkos - tampa bay lightning
