Team records:<\/strong> Tonight, 7:35 p.m. ET Preview:<\/strong><\/p>\n This is a big game for Dustin Brown and his L.A. boys, as they’re trying to gain home ice in the first round of the playoffs. That being said, it’s a critical game for the Dallas Stars as they’re trying to get back into the Western Conference playoff race. The push starts tonight as they make a push just to make the playoffs. <\/p>\n Ok hockey fans this may sound strange to you but I’m picking the Stars tonight even though the Kings have swept the Stars in the current season series. Including on March 2 in Dallas, a 5-1 beatdown. <\/p>\n I’ve got good news for Stars fans though, the Kings have dropped three of four since. Plus the Stars are on a homestand, and we all know home cooking is always better right? My man Steve Ott said it best yesterday. “Quite frankly, it’s our season, If we don’t get the ship in the right direction, you might as well call it a season.”<\/p>\n The Stars are the more desperate team tonight. Big X Factor.<\/p>\n Why L.A. Can’t Win:<\/strong><\/p>\n Goaltending in the NHL is MASSIVE. And yes, that is an understatement. The Kings, one of the best young teams in the NHL have a great one in Quick. Unfortunately though he won’t be between the pipes tonight. Instead, backup Erik Ersberg is more than likely getting the call <\/p>\n Ersberg hasn’t played in a month and is 2-3-1 with a 2.99 GAA on the season. <\/p>\n Why Dallas Can Win:<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes I know Dallas has struggled recently but check out their home ice record this year. NHL Gamblers will see they’re a profitable 19-8 ATS after allowing four or more goals in their previous game. <\/p>\n You’ve got to think this team is smelling the desperation right? I see them grabbing the two points on home ice tonight, and the Kings little mini-slump will continue on the road tonight. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles’s last 5 games
\nLos Angeles: 39-22-5
\nDallas: 29-25-12 <\/p>\n
\nSportsbook odds: Kings -105, Stars -115 <\/p>\n![\"Sports](\"http:\/\/www.bodogaffiliate.com\/resources\/ca-banners\/sportsbook\/square\/250x250\/250x250h-sportsbook.gif\")
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\nNHL Betting Trends:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
\nThe total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas’s last 5 games
\nThe total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas’s last 5 games at home
\nLos Angeles is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Dallas
\nLos Angeles is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
\nThe total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas’s last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
\nDallas is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home<\/p>\n