Jeff's (JH-Sportsline) NHL Spotlight teams are squads that will make the playoffs (and/or improve by at least 15 points) after missing out the previous year. Jeff is a 5-time NHL Handicapping champion documented by The Sports Monitor of OK. Jeff cashed a record 78.6% in 2013 NHL regular season and 70% in the Postseason. Do yourself a favor and jump on board the EARLY BIRD NHL FULL SEASON PACKAGE available at this website. Jeff has the highest NHL winning percentage since 1998 in the Nation.
Jeff's 2015-16 NHL Western Conference Spotlight Team: LA Kings (2014-15 record: 40-27-15, 95 points)
The LA Kings are looking forward to getting on the Ice after a tumultuous off-season that saw Jarret Stoll and Mike Richards fall into legal trouble. Also, Slava Voynov served jail time for domestic battery and might get deported. The Los Angeles Kings allowed the third fewest amount of goals in the West (205) and still missed the playoffs last season. Injuries and the inability to win road games were key factors. The Kings went 15-18-8 on the road. They also struggled in overtime which good teams normally bounce back from. Performing well on the road will be a point of emphases this season.
The biggest reasons for optimism is Goalie Jonathan Quick and a plethora of young talented players. Quick is a two-time NHL Stanley Cup Champion, one Conn Smythe trophy winner, and owns a 212-139-46 W/L/OL/ record. His 2.27 GAA in his career ranks very high. I have him rated as the top Goalie in all of Hockey. An elite Goalie can steal games when the offense struggles and Quick is certainly at that level. Anze Kopitar looks to have a bounce back season as he fell to 16 goals and 48 assists after accumulating 29 goals and 41 helpers two seasons ago. Marion Gaborik is still playing at a high level, even at the tender age of 33. He had a solid campaign with 27 goals and 20 assists in 69 games last year. Tyler Toffoli is a player with superstar potential and should improve on his 23 goals and 26 assists from a year ago. Toffoli's goals and assists output has increased in each of his first three seasons. Look for a 30/30 season in 2015-16.
The Kings have a bunch of talented core players that have been together through two Stanley Cup wins. With off-season additions of winger Milan Lucic and defenseman Christian Ehrhoff added to mix, this team should return to playoffs. A deep Stanley Cup run is likely if everyone stays relatively healthy. A big mobile defense wins Hockey games and the Kings have one of the best group of blue-liners in the West. The Kings will be a team on a mission after missing the playoffs on the final day of last season. Mark your calendar when the LA Kings play at Calgary on 12/31/15. The Flames knocked the Kings out of the playoffs on the final day of the season last April. I expect the Flames to be a winning team this season, however take the Kings in this huge revenge spot on New Year's eve.
Jeff's Prediction: (48-29-5, 101 points, 4th seed out West)
The NHL Western Conference is very competitive so don't expect 50+ wins. Do expect a deep run once they make the playoffs!
Good Luck this Hockey Season,
Jeff H/JH-Sportsline
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