2011 NHL Playoffs Picks – Sharks at Kings Game 3 Odds and Predictions – Free NHL Picks 4-19-11

Free NHL Playoffs Picks and Odds: Game 3 San Jose Sharks at Los Angeles Kings Favorite, Moneyline, Total and Predictions 4/19/11: The San Jose Sharks are in grave danger of giving up the series in L.A. as the green and black have notoriously faltered in La La Land. The Sharks were looking pretty good after their opening game victory over the Kings, but the Kings rebounded with a valiant effort in game two and now the series shifts to LA where the Kings are favored to take control of the series. Loose fore-checks and weak back-checks were the story and demise of the Sharks in game two. They seemed quite too comfortable for a playoff tilt and the Kings made them pay. The 4-0 tally at the end of the tilt was not indicative of what the score should have been. The Sharks were outskated, out special teamed, and out coached on Saturday night and many insiders believe the Kings have it in them to skate right on through to the next round with the momentum they built in that performance. Danny Heatley, after a solid first game, was virtually non-existent in the second match and was seen out of position on numerous occasions. Patrick Marleau looked as though he was the only motivated player skating for San Jose on Saturday night, he led a physical assault on every shift he played and he was involved in every, of the few, scoring opportunities the Sharks had on that night. If the Sharks plan on gaining home ice advantage back then they will have to revert to the type of game that got them to this point, hard-nosed-gritty hockey. The Kings are a smaller club and the Sharks have the size and ability to muscle their way to a opening round series victory.

The Kings have a plethora of momentum heading into game three and Dustin Penner looks as though he is willing to be the catalyst the Kings ride into round two. He has provided the physical tenacity and big body presence in the middle of the ice that is so crucial in NHL playoff hockey. Also, behind the scenes he is a veteran voice in a young and under aged lineup. The Kings used their speed and agility to skate past the Sharks in game two, but they should not expect to duplicate that same performance. They will have to earn their wins in the dirty areas of the rink if they have any Cup aspirations. For such a small team it might be hard to commit to these areas, but they might just be gritty enough to get it done. Jonathon Quik exposed of a questionable game 1 quickly and had a superb second game. He cut the angles the Sharks had and gave little in the area of rebounds. He was also seen on a couple of instances giving shots to the Sharks players who were overzealous on whistles. This type of mentality and edge will have to be instilled in all of the Kings’ players because they simply do not have the size to get to where they want to be.

The play tonight lies with the UNDER(Check the latest NHL Odds at SBG Global Sportsbook). The Sharks got away from their defensive fortitude in game two and I expect them to come back in a big way in game three. The best way to win on the road is to keep the game in check and not let it turn into a shoot-out. The Sharks are a big, physical team and I expect them to ride out the emotions in the early minutes of the game and rely on their defense first minded attitude. The Kings are not a goal scoring machine by any means and I expect their chances on the Sharks goal will be few and far between. We will consider the goals to be at a minimum on Tuesday night in the city of angels. Cheers!

Free Pick: OVER 5 Goals
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