The Boston Bruins (29-4-4) meet the Los Angeles Kings (22-13-6) Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Bruins vs. Kings odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Bruins continue to show no signs of slowing down, as Boston’s last loss in regulation was Dec. 9 at Arizona. The B’s have posted a 8-0-3 record in the last 11 games overall since that setback. That includes a 3-2 shootout loss against the Kings on Dec. 15 at TD Garden.
The Kings picked up a 3-2 win over the visiting Dallas Stars Tuesday as the Under cashed yet again. Los Angeles has hit the Under in 4 of the last 5 games overall, while going 10-3 in the last 13 games.
Bruins at Kings odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub Lines last updated at 12:19 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Bruins -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Kings +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Bruins -1.5 (+150) | Kings +1.5 (-200)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -135 | U: +115)
Bruins at Kings projected goalies
Linus Ullmark (21-1-1, 1.86 GAA, .939 SV%, 2 SO) vs Pheonix Copley (9-1-0, 2.52 GAA, .908 SV%)
Ullmark has been unreal, and he is currently the favorite for the Vezina Trophy thanks to his nearly peerless record. He has picked up wins in 4 straight starts, and 8 of the last 9 games. The only setback during the span was a 3-2 shootout loss against L.A. at TD Garden on Dec. 15. He allowed just 2 goals on 30 shots in that outing.
Copley allowed just 2 goals on 30 shots in a 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars Tuesday, and he has rattled off 7 consecutive victories. He started the win streak Dec. 15 in Boston, allowing just 2 goals on 35 shots in the 3-2 SOW.
Bruins at Kings picks and predictions
Prediction
Bruins 3, Kings 2
Moneyline
The BRUINS (-155) are moderate favorites on the road, and they’re not terribly priced out of line.
Boston has won 4 straight trips to Los Angeles, and the road team has won 5 in a row in this series. The B’s will avenge their 3-2 shootout loss at home last month with a road win at Crypto.
Puck line/Against the spread
The Kings +1.5 (-200) will cost you nearly 2 times your potential return, and that’s quite risky even at home. The Bruins -1.5 (+150) have just shown no signs of letting up.
AVOID.
Over/Under
UNDER 5.5 (+115) is a strong play in a battle between 2 red-hot goaltenders.
The Under is 4-1 in the last 5 games against Western Conference foes for the B’s, including its home loss to the Kings. The Under is 5-2 in Boston’s last 7 against Pacific Division teams.
The Under is also 8-2 in the last 10 overall for the Kings, while hitting at a 5-1 clip in the last 6 at home. The Under is 5-1 in the last 6 against Eastern Conference opponents, too.
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