On the heels of Saturday’s disappointing loss in overtime, the Vegas Golden Knights welcome border-rival Los Angeles to T-Mobile Arena, where the Kings will be riding high after a win in San Jose last night.
The Knights will be plenty VENGEful tonight, too, in terms of looking to aVENGE yesterday’s loss to the Montreal Canadiens, who scored with 1:25 left in regulation to tie the game, and 1:59 into overtime to skate away with the two points. Vegas is also looking for reVENGE against the Kings, who won the first meeting, 5-1.
Vegas will be looking to earn a point for the 13th time in 18 games.
The Golden Knights have won 11 of 16 and continue to challenge in the playoff race in the Western Conference, currently holding the top wild-card spot with 43 points.
We are 15-6-2 with totals involving the Golden Knights, after hitting the Over in Saturday’s game against the Canadiens. We’re also on a 4-3 run with top-rated power plays throughout the league.
As of 3 p.m. PT, the Knights are -190, while the Kings are taking back +170.
Value in the Knights
It’s hard to lay this much money against a division rival, especially one that won the first meeting. So first and foremost, the value is on the puck line if you’re going to play the defending Western Conference champs. The aforementioned VENGEful mindset is the biggest reason you should think about playing the Golden Knights. Forget the Kings winning the first meeting, the Golden Knights are none too pleased with how last night’s game ended. And with as well as the second line of Brandon Pirri, Paul Stastny and Reilly Smith has been playing, it wouldn’t surprise us to see this trio come away with several points. Add in the top line and fourth line, while the third line handles the blue collar work, and the Golden Knights could pepper Cal Petersen tonight. That final note is another reason the puck line comes into play tonight.
Value in the Kings
Rivalry and confidence key the big number on this road underdog. Los Angeles has improved its play recently, and arrives after knocking off San Jose on Saturday night. The Kings got in late, and got plenty of rest and should be geared up for a Golden Knights team that is poised for a letdown thanks to a hangover from Saturday’s loss to Montreal. With goalie coach Dave Prior giving coach Gerard Gallant Marc-Andre Fleury the nod today, after he faced 47 shots from the Canadiens in yesterday’s matinee, the Kings could jump on the 15-year veteran to set the tone. This is not a bad value play with a road underdog catching far too much.
The Total
As of 3 p.m. PT, the total in this game is 6-under -130.
For the second straight game, we’re riding the high road, as we expect this one to go Over the posted total. Vegas is not happy with itself after Saturday, and will look to attack Petersen early and often. Montreal scored first on Saturday, and the Golden Knights are not a team that likes playing from behind — especially at home. Tonight they’ll be the team coming out with a fast-paced style. But the Kings, as previously mentioned, will also be looking to get to Fleury. They know he put in work yesterday with his acrobatic style and will look to fluster him in the first period. We won’t be surprised to see this halfway toward the Over by the end of 1. Play this one OVER.
W.G. Ramirez is a freelance reporter in Las Vegas who covers the Vegas Golden Knights for The Associated Press. Follow him on Twitter at @WillieGRamirez.