NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Penguins vs Kings (Thursday, November 9)

Thursday, Nov. 9

10:30 p.m. ET

ESPN+

Penguins Odds	+115
Kings Odds	-138
Over / Under	6.5 -138 / +112

Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute NHL odds here.

The Penguins will look to take advantage of a favorable scheduling spot Thursday against the Kings, who have looked strong this season and seem to be legitimate contenders. The Kings could turn to backup goaltender Pheonix Copley in this matchup after playing Wednesday, so let's look at the odds and preview Penguins vs. Kings.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Despite some changes to the roster, the Penguins are displaying similar strengths and weaknesses as we have seen in previous seasons under Mike Sullivan. They can effectively generate offensive chances, but remain susceptible to breakdowns in their own zone, and still possess a relatively weak goaltending duo. And that's not surprising considering their main offseason move was bringing in Erik Karlsson.

Pittsburgh has generated offensive chances at an elite level in the early going. It owns the league's top xGF/60 at 4.21, which is a fair bit above the Avalanche's second-best mark of 3.96.

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin still combine to make up a lethal 1-2 punch down the middle offensively and are well insulated with wingers who can finish. They should allow the Penguins to hold a better-than-average powerplay, although they've suffered through some growing pains and have succeeded only 18.2% of the time thus far.

Top goaltender Tristan Jarry was injured Tuesday in Anaheim and missed practice Wednesday. He's considered day-to-day. Should Jarry be unable to go, the Penguins will turn to third stringer Magnus Hellberg because regular backup Alex Nedeljkovic is also injured.

In 17 games with Detroit last season, Hellberg put up an .885 save % and a 3.29 GAA.

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Los Angeles Kings

There are plenty of reasons for Kings fans to be optimistic as the team has earned its excellent 7-2-2 record with well-balanced play. Former second overall pick Quinton Byfield is beginning to look like a needle mover on the top line, and Pierre-Luc Dubois has fit in effectively.

Los Angeles averages 4.27 goals per game, which is the second-best mark in the league. The Kings have received strong offensive play from a number of top-nine skaters and feature three potent units with meaningful offensive upside.

The Kings are one of the league's best defensive teams and own the second-best xGA/60 (2.68). That play has allowed new goaltender Cam Talbot to find his footing after a tough start to the season.

Copley has struggled mightily thus far, but could be sprung into action in this back-to-back spot. Copley owns a -5.7 GSAx and a .788 save % over a small, three-game sample size. He owned a .903 save % in 37 games last year, which would suggest that he's better than he's shown thus far.

Penguins vs. Kings

Betting Pick & Prediction

The Penguins have generated offensive chances at en elite level, but have had an uncharacteristically tough time finishing. In time, they should find positive regression and become a top team in terms of productivity. Conversely, their defensive play isn't likely to be a strength and won't protect their shaky goaltending.

The Kings have offered up some tremendous offensive play and should be able to generate quality looks in this contest. If Hellberg starts for the Penguins, there's a great chance that several of those chances will go in. Of course, a dinged up Jarry isn't overly intimidating either.

Meanwhile, Copley will likely start for the Kings.

Considering the likely goaltending matchup, even a total of 6.5 is too low. Betting the over prior to the goaltending announcements is the best bet. Even if it is Jarry vs. Talbot, -130 for 6.5 is perfectly fine. But, if it is Hellberg vs. Copley, we're getting a huge edge with this number.

Pick: Over 6.5 (-125) | Play to -150

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