NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Kings vs Stars (Saturday, March 16)

NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Kings vs Stars (Saturday, March 16) article feature image
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Photo by Juan Ocampo/NHLI via Getty Images. Pictured: Adrian Kempe (left) and Chris Tanev.

Kings vs. Stars Odds

Saturday, March 16
8 p.m. ET
ESPN+
Kings Odds+140
Stars Odds-165
Over / Under
6
-105o / -115u
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NHL odds here.

Here's everything you need to know about the Los Angeles Kings vs. Dallas Stars on Saturday, March 16 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.

Tonight's NHL clash between the Kings and the Stars at the American Airlines Center promises to be a spectacle of high-caliber hockey, featuring two of the league's most dynamic teams. We will dive into the nuanced understanding of each team's performance metrics and trends throughout the season to make an informed Kings vs Stars prediction.


Los Angeles Kings

The Kings have been offensive stalwarts this season, ranking fourth in both Corsi and expected goals (xG), indicating their prowess in maintaining puck possession and generating high-quality scoring opportunities. Additionally, they rank fifth in shots on goal but only 19th in goals forced.

Los Angeles’ rank of 14th in high-danger chances suggests it is adept at creating significant scoring opportunities, a testament to the offensive strategy's effectiveness. However, ranking just 14th in power play percentage highlights a team that could benefit from more production on the man advantage.

Defensively, the Kings are just as formidable, mirroring their offensive rankings with a fourth-place ranking in Corsi and xGA, showcasing their ability to limit scoring chances. The presence of goalie David Rittich, who has top-tier statistics this season — fifth in save percentage and third in goals against average (GAA) — further cements L.A.'s defensive resilience.


Dallas Stars

The Stars, not to be outdone, present a balanced threat. Their offensive capabilities are highlighted by a third rank in Corsi and fifth in xG, underscoring their efficiency in controlling the game and creating valuable scoring opportunities.

Similar to the Kings, the Stars rank fifth in high-danger chances, indicating a lethal ability to break through defensive setups. Unlike Los Angeles, however, is Dallas’ ability to capitalize on these metrics as it has scored the second-most goals per game this season at 3.59 per matchup.

On the defensive front, the Stars maintain a solid stance with a 16th rank in Corsi but an impressive sixth in xGA, revealing their strategic defensive play to minimize quality chances. However, goaltending has been a concern all season and could be again tonight with Scott Wedgewood's lower rankings across all metrics, possibly leaving room for exploitation by a potent Kings offense.

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Kings vs. Stars

Betting Pick & Prediction

Considering the offensive firepower and defensive capabilities of both teams, coupled with the goaltending situations, the best bet for this game lies in taking over 5.5 goals (-138 at FanDuel).

This recommendation is underpinned by both teams' strong offensive metrics and ability to generate high-danger chances, suggesting a game ripe with scoring opportunities.

Despite the Kings' solid defensive metrics and goaltending, the Stars' offensive potency, combined with their slightly weaker goaltending performance, tips the scale toward a higher-scoring affair. This prediction is further bolstered by the game's setting in Dallas, where the Stars have historically shown an inclination toward engaging in high-scoring contests.

The Stars also enter this game as the third-best over team in the league this season with over 58% of their games hitting the over. Whichever team ends up victorious, expect a 4-3 final as both offenses have their way.

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