Carolina Hurricanes at Los Angeles Kings odds, picks and predictions
The Carolina Hurricanes (1-0-0) and the Los Angeles Kings (0-1-0) meet Saturday at Crypto.com Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Hurricanes vs. Kingsodds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Hurricanes head west for the start of a 6-game West Coast road trip. Carolina usually has a lengthy road trip to start each season due to the North Carolina State Fair taking place near PNC Arena, using part of the parking lot, while creating tons of traffic.
Carolina does generally open at home, and it did so Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators. It wasn't pretty, but the Hurricanes outlasted the Sens 5-3. There was a lot of undisciplined play, with silly penalties and defensive gaffes, but it was also just game No. 1, too. Those things can be ironed out, and hey, the Canes still won.
The Kings weren't as fortunate, falling 5-2 on home ice against the Colorado Avalanche. Cam Talbot was snowed under for 4 goals on 36 shots, while the Los Angeles offense could only muster even-strength goals from Carl Grundstrom and Quinton Byfield.
Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team's out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!
Hurricanes at Kings odds
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:35 a.m. ET.
Hurricanes at Kings projected goalies
Antti Raanta (19-3-3, 2.23 GAA, .910 SV%, 4 SO - 2022-23) vs. Cam Talbot (17-14-2, 2.93 GAA, .898 SV%, 1 SO - 2022-23 w/ Ottawa)
Raanta is projected to get the start after Frederik Andersen allowed 3 goals on 30 shots in the team's win against the Sens. With a 6-game road trip, including a back-to-back set with a game Sunday in Anaheim, Raanta will make a start, and Andersen will get the other start in SoCal.
Talbot was signed as a free agent, spending last season with the Ottawa Senators. The 36-year-old allowed 4 goals on 36 shots in an Opening Night loss to the Avalanche Wednesday. He made 1 start against Carolina last year, allowing 3 goals on 29 shots in a 4-0 loss.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Hurricanes at Kings picks and predictions
Prediction
Hurricanes 4, Kings 3
The HURRICANES (-130) are slight favorites in this road trip opener, and for good reason. Carolina has won 7 straight games against the Kings (+110), including the past 3 skates at Crypto.com Arena.
While Carolina tends to have trouble with that other Southern California team, the Ducks, it has handled itself with aplomb when it comes to facing the Kings. The Canes have outscored the Kings 29-12 during the 7-game win streak, including a pair of shutouts.
The way the Hurricanes -1.5 (+185) struggled against the Senators, you can't lay the goal-and-a-half with the visitors. Of course, the Kings +1.5 (-225) were hot garbage against the Avs, and you won't want to risk more than 2 times your potential return for a little insurance, either.
AVOID.
OVER 6 (-110) is worth playing, but go lightly.
The Hurricanes ran 7 deep on defense in the opener, and between arguably the top defensive corps in the NHL, and 2 solid tendies, Carolina won't allow many goals like Wednesday's performance. Expect Rod Brind'Amour to get his group tightened up soon.
Both of these teams cashed the Over in their respective openers, however. Until the defense is better on both sides, keep hitting the Over. Plus, the Over has cashed in the past 4 meetings in this series.
