The Coach's NHL TOP RATED UNDERDOG *SHOCKER*
(NHL) Los Angeles vs. San Jose,
Money Line: 120.00 Los Angeles (Away)
Result: Loss
Both the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks have been struggling of late, but I like the price we get on the visitors to snap a three game skid tonight. The Sharks have struggled big time at home over recent games, and have dropped five of the last six match-ups with the Kings overall.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational/Motivational - The Sharks won the season opener at L.A 4-0. They came into that game still fuming from last season's play-off fiasco against the Kings. After they got that monkey of their back the Kings were allowed to take down the second meeting 3-1 and are coming into this contest two points behind the Sharks in the standing. As poor as the Kings have performed of late, they always raise their game when needed the most, and I think they really really want to get on equal points with the Sharks before the All Star break.

2. Home Woes - The Sharks have lost two straight and four of their last five at home. The lone win came against the lowly Maple Leafs and they suffered a 5-2 loss against the Devils their last time out.

3. X-Factor - Anze Kopitar is leading the Kings with 35 points. He was 1+1 in the last meeting in the series.

Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Kings (10*)