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NHL Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/3
Game of the Day: Canadiens at Kings
By Covers.com
Montreal Canadiens at Los Angeles Kings (N/A)
The Montreal Canadiens look to extend their point streak to seven contests as they begin a four-game road trip against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday. Montreal improved to 5-0-1 in its last six games with a 4-3 overtime triumph over visiting Toronto on Saturday. Max Pacioretty completed his eighth multi-goal performance of the season - and second against the Maple Leafs - by netting his second of the night during a power play at 3:28 of the extra session.
Los Angeles seeks its fifth consecutive victory after skating to a 3-1 home triumph over Carolina on Saturday. Defenseman Alec Martinez snapped a tie with a power-play goal midway through the third period as the Kings improved to 3-0-0 since returning from the Olympic break. Los Angeles routed the Canadiens in Montreal on Dec. 10 as Martinez, Tyler Toffoli and Anze Kopitar each recorded a goal and an assist while Martin Jones made 31 saves in a 6-0 victory.
LINE HISTORY: The odds for the game are currently off the board.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Canadiens (-158) / Kings (-153)
INJURY REPORT: Montreal - Michael Bournival (Ques - Concussion), Carey Price (Ques. Lowe body), Ryan White (Ques. Illness).
WHAT SHARPS SAY: "The Canadiens certainly aren't flying under the radar entering the opener of their Western road swing, not after upsetting the Penguins on the road and then outlasting the Leafs at home in overtime Saturday. Peter Budaj hasn't exactly stood on his head in Carey Price's absence, and if he's between the pipes again on Monday, it might be tough for the Habs to prevail in a defensive struggle against the stingy Kings. Los Angeles often sees its lines shaded at home, but this might be a situation where the Kings are worth a look, as they're undoubtedly rolling heading into this matchup." - Covers Expert Sean Murphy.
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "Tough game to get info on because of of all injuries to Habs - Carey price). Guess that is the main storyline. Both teams are playing well, L.A. winners of four straight and Montreal having won five of six." - Mike Perry, Sportsbook.ag.
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (34-21-7): Montreal hopes to have Carey Price back from a lower-body injury he aggravated while leading Canada to the gold medal at the Sochi Winter Games. Peter Budaj has gone 2-0-1 in Price's absence, making three straight starts for the first time since April 4-7, 2012. Reigning Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban scored a goal and set up another Saturday, increasing his career-best totals to 32 assists and 41 points.
ABOUT THE KINGS (34-22-6): Mike Richards ended his 12-game goal-scoring drought Saturday with just his second tally since Nov. 25 - a span of 37 contests. The veteran center needs three goals to surpass his career-low total of 10 from 2006-07 while with Philadelphia. Jonathan Quick has faced 25 shots in each of his last three outings, allowing a total of two goals while also posting his fourth shutout of the season.
TRENDS:
* Canadiens are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Los Angeles.
* Canadiens are 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.
* Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Los Angeles.
COVERS CONSENSUS: There is currently no consensus.
By Covers.com
Montreal Canadiens at Los Angeles Kings (N/A)
The Montreal Canadiens look to extend their point streak to seven contests as they begin a four-game road trip against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday. Montreal improved to 5-0-1 in its last six games with a 4-3 overtime triumph over visiting Toronto on Saturday. Max Pacioretty completed his eighth multi-goal performance of the season - and second against the Maple Leafs - by netting his second of the night during a power play at 3:28 of the extra session.
Los Angeles seeks its fifth consecutive victory after skating to a 3-1 home triumph over Carolina on Saturday. Defenseman Alec Martinez snapped a tie with a power-play goal midway through the third period as the Kings improved to 3-0-0 since returning from the Olympic break. Los Angeles routed the Canadiens in Montreal on Dec. 10 as Martinez, Tyler Toffoli and Anze Kopitar each recorded a goal and an assist while Martin Jones made 31 saves in a 6-0 victory.
LINE HISTORY: The odds for the game are currently off the board.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Canadiens (-158) / Kings (-153)
INJURY REPORT: Montreal - Michael Bournival (Ques - Concussion), Carey Price (Ques. Lowe body), Ryan White (Ques. Illness).
WHAT SHARPS SAY: "The Canadiens certainly aren't flying under the radar entering the opener of their Western road swing, not after upsetting the Penguins on the road and then outlasting the Leafs at home in overtime Saturday. Peter Budaj hasn't exactly stood on his head in Carey Price's absence, and if he's between the pipes again on Monday, it might be tough for the Habs to prevail in a defensive struggle against the stingy Kings. Los Angeles often sees its lines shaded at home, but this might be a situation where the Kings are worth a look, as they're undoubtedly rolling heading into this matchup." - Covers Expert Sean Murphy.
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "Tough game to get info on because of of all injuries to Habs - Carey price). Guess that is the main storyline. Both teams are playing well, L.A. winners of four straight and Montreal having won five of six." - Mike Perry, Sportsbook.ag.
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (34-21-7): Montreal hopes to have Carey Price back from a lower-body injury he aggravated while leading Canada to the gold medal at the Sochi Winter Games. Peter Budaj has gone 2-0-1 in Price's absence, making three straight starts for the first time since April 4-7, 2012. Reigning Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban scored a goal and set up another Saturday, increasing his career-best totals to 32 assists and 41 points.
ABOUT THE KINGS (34-22-6): Mike Richards ended his 12-game goal-scoring drought Saturday with just his second tally since Nov. 25 - a span of 37 contests. The veteran center needs three goals to surpass his career-low total of 10 from 2006-07 while with Philadelphia. Jonathan Quick has faced 25 shots in each of his last three outings, allowing a total of two goals while also posting his fourth shutout of the season.
TRENDS:
* Canadiens are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Los Angeles.
* Canadiens are 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.
* Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Los Angeles.
COVERS CONSENSUS: There is currently no consensus.
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