Originally Posted by
Tango Down
Monday February 11, 2013
Game: Los Angeles Kings @ St. Louis Blues
Opener: St. Louis -152, Los Angeles +140
My Pick: Los Angeles Kings ML +155 (@St. Louis Blues)
Grade: 2* (YTD: 7-4 +3.40)
LA's backup goaltender Jonathan Bernier gets the nod tonight, playing against his former teammate from the Lewiston MAINEiacs, the recently activated Jaroslav Halak. With both teams struggling and in need of points, the Kings are on the last game of a lengthy 5-game road trip, the "Grammy Road Trip" as it's known, going 1-3 in that span, with losses to Anaheim, Nashville, and Detroit on Sunday afternoon.
The Blues are looking to get back on track in the midst of a 4 game losing streak, having been outscored 22-10 during that stretch. They close out their 3 game home stand tonight before playing 4 of their next 5 games on the road.
The teams mirror each other in various statistics. Among the worst in Even Strength, among the best in Shots Against. Both underachieving this season etc. The opening line from the bookmakers opened the Blues as a big favorite. I disagree and say it's a pick'em.
Expect to see playoff-like intensity from the start, this will be the battle of the goaltenders. Kings will likely test out Halak early, having coming off an injury, ditto the Blues against Bernier, who is making his first starting appearance of the season. Last time these teams met the Kings swept the Blues with ease during the playoffs.
Expect the same familiarity, the better team wins tonight: 4-3 Los Angeles Kings, in a close hard fought battle.