L.A. (-130) @ Edmonton (+110); Total set at 5.5

The Kings looked like they were still on vacation last night in Minnesota as they lost 1-0 in a shootout. That isn’t the best way to start a 10-game road trip that sees them play quality teams, including three in four nights against Pittsburgh, Washington and Philadelphia. Needless to say, this is the most important stretch of games for the Kings who are currently a couple of points out of a playoff spot.

The Kings were one of the pleasant surprises in the NHL last season with their great regular season success and the young core of their squad learned a lot about getting to the next level in their first round playoff loss to Vancouver. Tonight, they get to play one of the worst teams in the NHL and need to take care of business and leave Edmonton with a victory. They have already beat the Oilers twice this season but both of those wins were at home and L.A has quite the home/road dichotomy. They are 0-6 SU in their last six as road favorites and they are 1-4 SU overall on the road lately, including 1-4 SU against a losing team. They have come into this building though and got the job done as they are 4-0 SU in their last four trips to Edmonton, but this Kings team is lacking confidence and isn’t the same as last year’s.

The Oilers are excited to likely get back Ales Hemsky back tonight as he is an offensive talent that can spark the struggling the power play. He may also be able to get the Oilers back in the victory column at home as this is only seventh home game in 2011 and they are 1-5 SU in those games and haven’t given their fans a win at home since January 6th. They are getting very little love from bettors tonight with less than 20% thinking they will win tonight, but they are well-rested and catching a struggling team on back-to-back nights as they venture on their longest road trip of the season. The Oilers strength is youth and speed and that is a great formula for beating a tired team in your own building.

Look for the upset tonight as the Kings continue to struggle on the road. Take Edmonton at +110.