Tip: With an intense schedule behind them, LA Kings visit Dallas Stars!

Los Angeles Kings achieved a much-needed victory yesterday against the Carolina Hurricanes. After losing eight straight games, this win was significant for the Pacific Division team in their fight to maintain a playoff spot. On the other side, a rested Dallas Stars awaits, coming off a late win against the Chicago Blackhawks.

High Quality in Both Teams

The game is between two teams with high expectations, and rightly so. Dallas Stars, just like Los Angeles Kings, are expected to reach the playoffs and be tough opponents. I don't believe the Kings are in much danger of missing the playoffs despite their long streak of losses before yesterday's win against the Carolina Hurricanes. However, it's physically demanding for a team to play so many games in a short period, and if Dallas plays physically and keeps a high pace with the puck, the Kings might struggle to keep up during 60 minutes of play.

Both teams are in a favorable injury situation, except Dallas Stars continue without Miro Heiskanen due to a long-term injury. They do get Scott Wedgwood back as a backup goalie to Jake Oettinger. In Los Angeles Kings, Viktor Arvidsson is still on (IR) and Blake Lizotte's participation is uncertain.

Tough Schedule May Prove Too Costly

It's a challenging schedule for Los Angeles Kings who played last night against the Carolina Hurricanes. The night before, they played against the Detroit Red Wings, meaning they face a heavy and physical Dallas Stars team with little rest. The upcoming game is their sixth consecutive away game before playing at home against Nashville Predators on Friday.

I have great respect for the season Los Angeles Kings have had and don't think they should be judged too harshly for the weak period they've been in. But Dallas Stars, with several days of rest, will be a tough challenge for a potentially exhausted LA Kings. Evidence of the difficult task is also Dallas's strong underlying stats. Like Kings, they allow very little defensively while being skilled offensively. In fact, both teams have the fourth (Kings) and sixth (Stars) best xGF% in the league, meaning they are good at creating more than they allow.

Betting Tips and Conclusion

Had this been a match where both teams had equal rest, I might not have leaned towards Dallas Stars as I am now planning to do. The intensive schedule feels like it will take its toll when facing a team as capable as Dallas Stars. Despite Stars missing Heiskanen's excellent setups, I conclude that this is Stars' match to lose.

Dallas Stars FT @ +115 at bet365!