We told you in this space a week ago that the Los Angeles Kings was reportedly getting close to firing Coach John Stevens. That happened on Sunday even though the Kings won on Saturday night. Stevens’ replacement behind the bench is Willie Desjardins, who will serve with an interim label. Desjardins has a lengthy coaching résumé and last served as a head coach for the Vancouver Canucks from 2014-17. Here’s a look at two interesting matchups this week. Check back for NHL odds.
Pittsburgh is slumping right now, though, entering the week on a three-game skid. Malkin saw his nine-game scoring streak come to a halt Saturday in a 5-0 loss to Toronto. Malkin has been outstanding this season and has 20 points in 12 contests as he is fourth in the NHL in scoring, trailing only Mikko Rantanen, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon. He is tied for second in points-per-game with Elias Pettersson of Vancouver at 1.67, trailing only Rantanen who is at 1.71 as he has 24 points in 14 games.
Center Derick Brassard has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury and still has not resumed skating. The Penguins need some production from their bottom-six forwards and Brassard was expected to carry a lot of the load and while he has five points in eight games this season, four points have come playing the wing alongside Crosby.
Washington enters the week also struggling, loser of two straight and yet to win back-to-back games all year. They were 4-3 OT losers at home to Dallas on Saturday. All four Dallas goals came as the direct result of Washington turnovers, with Holtby’s own misplay behind the cage leading to the second of the Stars’ tallies. Holtby allowed four goals on 37 shots. He’s 4-3-2 with a 3.62 goals-against-average and a .888 save percentage.
Turnovers and poor puck and game management have plagued the Caps all too frequently in their first dozen games this season, but their potent offensive attack has kept them from going more than two games without a point.
Top NHL Betting Picks of the Week – November 5th Edition
Sunday mood: pic.twitter.com/9gYlVtv9AR
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) 4 de noviembre de 2018
Vegas Golden Knights at Toronto Maple Leafs
- When: Tuesday, 7 PM ET (ESPN+)
Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals
- When: Wednesday, 7:30 PM ET (NBC Sports Network)
