Sharks vs Kings Odds, Prediction & Pacific Division Picks

• I’ve made my Sharks vs Kings prediction for Wednesday’s Pacific Division matchup at Crypto.com Arena
• Los Angeles has the league’s worst penalty kill, and San Jose has had the Kings’ number lately
• Keep reading for my Sharks vs Kings odds breakdown and Pacific Division picks for Nov. 4

Two Pacific Division clubs searching for answers meet Wednesday night in Los Angeles. The San Jose Sharks (7-8-1) have scored just five goals over their last four games, while the Kings (4-7-2) dropped a 3-2 decision to Buffalo their last time out.

San Jose won the first meeting 5-4 in overtime on Oct. 3, its third straight win over LA. Puck drop is 7 pm PT / 10 pm ET, with TNT and truTV carrying the game.

Here’s how I’m betting it, starting with the Sharks vs Kings odds and my Pacific Division picks.

Sharks vs Kings Odds for Wednesday Night

Oddsmakers have Los Angeles as a home favorite in the latest NHL odds, with San Jose catching plus money on the road. The total is set at 6.5 goals.

These Sharks vs Kings odds give LA credit for home ice and a healthier lineup, with Adrian Kempe expected back after missing the last contest. I don’t think the gap should be that wide, given how these teams have looked on special teams and in the crease.

Sharks vs Kings Prediction: Backing the Road Dog

• Sharks Moneyline

My Sharks vs Kings prediction is San Jose to win outright, and special teams are the biggest reason why. The Kings own the NHL’s worst penalty kill at 61.5%, while the Sharks’ power play is converting at 21.8%.

It works the other way too. San Jose kills off 84.9% (sixth best) of its penalties, and LA’s power play sits at 18.2%.

Sharks vs Kings Key Stats

The goalie matchup also tilts toward San Jose. Yaroslav Askarov is projected to start with a .901 save percentage and 2.92 GAA through ten starts. Darcy Kuemper, LA’s projected starter, carries an .878 save percentage and 3.65 GAA in eight games.

The worry is San Jose’s offense. Macklin Celebrini has gone six games without a goal, though he still leads the Sharks with 16 points. Against this penalty kill, I’ll trust San Jose to find a couple on the man advantage.

Sharks vs Kings Picks: Pacific Division Shot Props

• Will Smith Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-106 at FanDuel)

I’m starting my Sharks vs Kings NHL player props picks with Will Smith, who leads San Jose with six goals and has 43 shots on goal through 16 games. That’s 2.7 shots a night, and he’s projected back on the top line with Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli.

Smith has two power-play goals, and he should get plenty of looks against the Kings’ leaky penalty kill. The volume isn’t new either. He put 166 shots on net in 69 games last season.

• Alex Laferriere Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-135 at FanDuel)

Alex Laferriere lined up between Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe at Tuesday’s practice, which puts him on LA’s most dangerous line. Panarin leads the Kings with eight goals and 42 shots.

Laferriere has 33 shots on goal in 13 games, right around this number. San Jose gives up 30.4 shots per game, and I’ll ride that top-line role to wrap up my Sharks vs Kings picks.

Sharks vs Kings Projected Lineups and Injury Report

Askarov is expected to get the nod over Alex Nedeljkovic, while Kuemper and Anton Forsberg made up LA’s goalie group at Tuesday’s practice.

Kempe skated in back-to-back practices after missing the Buffalo game and plans to play. Brandt Clarke left Monday’s practice holding his face but returned Tuesday, and Head Coach Peter Laviolette said he’s good to go.

Kevin Fiala and Mats Zuccarello remain on injured reserve on week-to-week timelines. Alex Turcotte (IR) rejoined the group Tuesday, while Jan Jenik and Jakub Dvorak are also out.

San Jose is without Alexander Wennberg and Igor Chernyshov, both on injured reserve. Neither team wants to slide further back in the NHL playoff standings, which gives this divisional game some extra bite in early November.