San Jose (+100) @ L.A. (-120); Total set at 5.5

Both these teams had over 100 points last season and made the playoffs but this year they find themselves on the outside looking in and even with the All-Star break starting tomorrow, every point is crucial. Both are playing their starting goaltenders tonight as both the Sharks and Kings look to continue their respective winning streaks.

The Sharks hold a 2-1 edge in their three meetings already this season, including winning 1-0 last time they were in Hollywood on New Year’s day. They have won four straight after enduring a six-game losing streak as they are riding the improved play of goalie Antti Niemi. He has made the key saves at the right times during this winning streak and with three straight games against division rivals, the Sharks need all the points they can get.

Offensively, they starting putting the puck in the net again during this winning streak as San Jose has scored four goals in three of their past four games and their power play is 4 for 13 in that span, and they are 4th overall in the NHL with the man advantage. They are 5-0 SU in thier last five as a road underdog and they are 6-1 SU on the road against teams winning at least 60% of their home games recently along with being backed by the road team being 6-1 in the last seven meetings. As long as the Sharks can continue to find the back of the net on a regular basis tonight, they will be o.k.

The Kings have won two straight and they need this game before venturing on a season-long road trip of 10 games after the All-Star break. Los Angeles is a much better team at home (16-9-1) then on the road (10-13) so picking up points tonight against the Sharks is a must. However, they are 1-5 SU as a favorite of -150 or less and they aren’t beating the teams they need to with a 1-4 SU record against winning teams of late.

As the players on the Kings prepare to spend the next few days with family and friends before shipping out for a few weeks, it is likely that their minds will be wandering a bit tonight and that is something you can’t afford to do against the Sharks. At +100, there is good value on taking the road team tonight as then look to head into the break on a high with a five-game winning streak in their back pocket.

Take San Jose at +100