Just when there was a glimmer of hope that the Vancouver Canucks could revitalize their subpar season, all dreams come crashing back down to earth. After successive victories over Montreal and Ottawa, the Canucks fell victim to the Pittsburgh Penguins by a score of 4-1 for the second time in two weeks.
Saturday’s game, which was eerily similar to the two teams matchup on November 24th in Pittsburgh, showed the Canucks frailties and holes that they’ve possessed for years.
The fans frustration is starting to increase. #FireBenning was trending on Twitter during the game, and chants of “Fire Benning” and “Sell the team” echoed throughout the stands and concourse in the latter stages of the game.
Jim Benning, John Weisbrod, Travis Green and Nolan Baumgartner were fired Sunday night with Stan Smyl becoming interim GM. Bruce Boudreau comes in as the new head coach and Scott Walker comes in as an assistant.
Vancouver, now 8-15-2,must find a way to pick themselves up and go again when they host the Los Angeles Kings (9-9-4) in game two of their six game home stand.
The Kings, coming off a 5-1 victory in Edmonton last night, roll into Vancouver losing seven of their last nine games. LA is led by head coach Todd McLellan and core pieces including Jonathan Quick, Anze Kopitar, and Alex Iafallo.
Expect a low scoring, systematic oriented game as both the Kings and Canucks struggle to find the opposing teams net. The Kings are a well disciplined team, ranking 4th in the league in not-taking penalties, however do have a suspect penalty-kill. If the Canucks can force them to make mistakes and end up in the box, then look for the power play to have some success and provide the team with some spark.
After starting Jonathan Quick in net against Edmonton on Sunday night, expect the Kings to turn to back-up goalie Cal Petersen against Vancouver. The home team should continue to ride Thatcher Demko between the pipes.
The odds for Saturday’s game between the Kings and Canucks are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook, the official sports betting partner of FanSided.
Kings vs. Canucks Odds and Totals:
Moneyline:
Canucks -131
Kings +116
Total:
5.5 goals (over -120 // under +100)
Puckline:
Canucks -1.5 at +185
Kings +1.5 at -220
Kings vs. Canucks Prediction:
The Canucks have been so poor this year, it’s becoming near impossible to back them. After the debacle on Saturday, who knows if the team will come out fighting, or if they’ll fade into a shell. The good news for them is that the Kings have someone been worse than them over the few weeks. With two inconsistent teams the best thing to do is avoid the line(s), and hedge your bets on the total. In this case, with both teams lacking offensive firepower, and both getting top goaltending, it’s in your best interest to take the +100 odds and bet the under 5.5 goals total.
Pick: Under 5.5 goals at +100
What are your thoughts on this upcoming game between the Kings and Canucks? What bets will you be placing on the game? Let us know your thoughts down below in the comment section!