NHL Futures: Is There Value in Kings and Sharks to Make Playoffs?

Edmonton Oilers fans are throwing jerseys on the ice, and the media is getting into it with Leon Draisaitl. Can the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks capitalize on the potential opening of an NHL playoff spot?

We're approaching the All-Star Game break in the NHL and the playoff race is heating up. Currently, the Kings are in 3rd place in the Pacific Division with 45 points, one point ahead of the Sharks in 4th place with 44 points. Both teams are in the race thanks to a horrible stretch from the Edmonton Oilers.

In the Pacific Division, the Kings and Sharks have value in their playoff odds. Taking third place in the Pacific Division might be easier than qualifying for a wild card berth. Both teams will have a distinct advantage over teams such as the Winnipeg Jets, which will find it difficult to crack the top three in the Central Division.

Based on their odds and projected points totals, we analyze the implied probability of each of these teams reaching the NHL playoffs.

NHL Playoff Futures

Los Angeles Kings

With 17 goals, Adrian Kempe leads the team, while long-time Kings forward Anze Kopitar leads the team with 36 points. Jonathan Quick's save percentage (.914) is his best since 2017-2018, and the Kings are well on track to surpass their preseason point total of 85.5 points.

Once you start researching NHL teams' advanced statistics, you'll be surprised to see that the LA Kings are consistently near the top of the league. They rank eighth in the league in 5v5 Score Adjusted Corsi For percentage and rank third in expected goals for. As it turns out, they started the year very unlucky.

In the case of the Kings, a price of +128 implies a 43% chance of qualifying for the playoffs. According to current projections, the Kings have a slightly better than 50% chance of making the NHL playoffs. That is why their +128 chances to make the playoffs are so valuable right now.

The Oilers are teetering on the brink, while the Kings are getting a boost with the call-up of top prospect Quinton Byfield from the AHL. It's impossible not to be enthralled with this +128 price for the Kings to make the playoffs.

https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1484354738380410889

At +128, FanDuel Sportsbook has the longest odds on the LA Kings making the playoffs. At DraftKings Sportsbook, the LA Kings are only +110.

Best Price: Yes +128 via FanDuel

San Jose Sharks

With a preseason point total of 83.5, the Sharks are also on track to surpass their points total. Tomas Hertl and Timo Meier, both of whom have 21 goals on the season, are leading the Sharks.

https://twitter.com/SanJoseSharks/status/1483209058404364291

In this case, +390 implies the Sharks have a 20% chance of making the postseason. Based on current projections, the Sharks have a 31% chance of making the NHL playoffs. A number like the one posted on the Sharks is definitely valuable right now.

In addition, the Sharks do have around $10 million in cap space and could make some deals at the deadline to help improve their roster. This is if they begin to find themselves in the playoff mix.

The Sharks are currently +390 to make the playoffs at DraftKings. At FanDuel, they are as short as +310.

Best Price: Yes+390 via DraftKings

SEE ALSO: All picks and odds. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com's community forums and betting tools.