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(NHL) Philadelphia vs. Los Angeles,
Money Line: -160.00 Los Angeles (Home)
Result: Win
Money Line: -160.00 Los Angeles (Home)
Result: Win
The set-up: The Philadelphia Flyers went 39-33-10 last season and their 88 points were not enough to make the postseason. Philly opens this new season having missed the postseason three times in the last five years plus fell in their opening round series in each of the two seasons in which the team did make the playoffs. Philly began the 2017-18 season last night in San Jose but despite squandering 2-0 and 3-2 leads, left with a 5-3 victory. Wayne Simmonds registered his second career hat trick while Jakub Voracek and defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere notched three assists apiece. The Flyers continue their opening four-game road trip tonight in LA against the Kings. Los Angeles won its second Stanley Cup in three years in 2014 but has since sandwiched a pair of non-playoff seasons around one in which it made a first-round exit. The kings were 39-35-8 (5th in Pacific) last season, missing the postseason.
Philadelphia: The Flyers finished last season on a 6-2-2 run but they still missed the final postseason berth by seven points. The most significant moves of their off-season were the trade of center Brayden Schenn to St. Louis and the acquisition of free agent goaltender Brian Elliott. Elliott made 32 saves in his debut last night, earning the win. General manager Ron Hextall placed an emphasis on youth on his early-season roster, with five rookies making the squad, including Nolan Patrick, the second overall pick in the 2017 draft. However, just only three were in the lineup against the Sharks. All eyes were on Nolan Patrick, who registered three shots and blocked one while going 5-4 on face-offs in 13 1/2 minutes of action.
Los Angeles: The Kings stumbled to an 86-point finish, missing the postseason for the second time in three seasons. The disappointing finish led to the dismissal of general manager Dean Lombardi and coach Darryl Sutter the day after its season ended. Jeff Carter led the club last season with 32 goals, marking the fourth time he reached the 30-goal plateau in his career. However, the Kings had only one other player hit the 20-goal mark, as Tanner Pearson scored a career-high 24 in his second full season. The team will need more offense this season plus the Kings are counting on a full season from former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Quick, as the goalie was limited to 17 games last campaign due to a groin injury suffered in the 2016-17 opener.
The pick: The Fylers were not much on the road last year (14-22-5), while despite an overall disappointing season, the Kings were 23-16-2 on home ice. Michal Neuvirth could get the start in goal for the Flyers after Elliott made 32 saves in his Philly debut last night, so I'll back Quick and the Kings, who open their home season with the Flyers, for the second consecutive time. LA lost 4-2 last year but turns that around here. Make the Kings a 10* play.
Philadelphia: The Flyers finished last season on a 6-2-2 run but they still missed the final postseason berth by seven points. The most significant moves of their off-season were the trade of center Brayden Schenn to St. Louis and the acquisition of free agent goaltender Brian Elliott. Elliott made 32 saves in his debut last night, earning the win. General manager Ron Hextall placed an emphasis on youth on his early-season roster, with five rookies making the squad, including Nolan Patrick, the second overall pick in the 2017 draft. However, just only three were in the lineup against the Sharks. All eyes were on Nolan Patrick, who registered three shots and blocked one while going 5-4 on face-offs in 13 1/2 minutes of action.
Los Angeles: The Kings stumbled to an 86-point finish, missing the postseason for the second time in three seasons. The disappointing finish led to the dismissal of general manager Dean Lombardi and coach Darryl Sutter the day after its season ended. Jeff Carter led the club last season with 32 goals, marking the fourth time he reached the 30-goal plateau in his career. However, the Kings had only one other player hit the 20-goal mark, as Tanner Pearson scored a career-high 24 in his second full season. The team will need more offense this season plus the Kings are counting on a full season from former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Quick, as the goalie was limited to 17 games last campaign due to a groin injury suffered in the 2016-17 opener.
The pick: The Fylers were not much on the road last year (14-22-5), while despite an overall disappointing season, the Kings were 23-16-2 on home ice. Michal Neuvirth could get the start in goal for the Flyers after Elliott made 32 saves in his Philly debut last night, so I'll back Quick and the Kings, who open their home season with the Flyers, for the second consecutive time. LA lost 4-2 last year but turns that around here. Make the Kings a 10* play.
