The Senators and Kings meet out west late tonight as both look to rebound from losses last time out as the All-Star break comes about. Ottawa has been out on the left coast for awhile now as they are 1-1 SU in games against the Sharks and Ducks already and would like to leave the state of California with a winning record before hitting Phoenix tomorrow. The Kings will have something to say about that tonight as they have lost two straight at home as their offensive scoring touch appears to have vanished again.
The Kings have been among the leagues worst offensively for most of the season but now they sit all alone in last (30th), averaging 2.1 goals per game. Obviously that kind of offensive production cant get it done in todays NHL and if the Kings want to remain in the playoff picture, things will have to change soon. Odds makers have changed their usual line on a Kings home game as L.A. is typically favored by -160 or higher and because of their recent struggles the line actually presents a bit of value at -140. They are 4-1 SU in the last five as favorites of -150 or less and they are 4-1 SU against winning teams. This is the Kings last game before the break and they even have quite a bit time off afterwards (dont play again until Feb 01) and they do not want to head into that time off a this losing skid.
On the flip side, Ottawa has been playing great hockey of late and are only a few points behind the mighty Bruins for 1st in the division. They have won six of their last eight contests and losses have only come when they run into their own offensive problems against defensive-minded (Anaheim, Winnipeg) teams. The Kings would fit into that mold and win a late night flight en route to Phoenix after this one, the Sens might be somewhere else mentally. The All-Star game is in their city this year and with so many of their players being voted in, the break will serve more as a celebration of their talents and results so far this season. Grinding out a couple of games against teams with little rivalry history like the Kings could have the Sens come out lackadaisical tonight as they fall behind the 8-ball. They are 1-5 SU in their last six against teams from the Pacific division and are off a tough battle with the Ducks. Their legs just wont be there tonight against a hungry Kings team looking to do anything for the win.
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