NHL betting preview: Kings vs Sharks, Penguins vs Leafs odds Wednesday

Los Angeles and San Jose will not be tied for second place in the Pacific Division after Wednesday as the California rivals clash in a key NHL betting matchup.

There are 13 games for the hockey betting public Wednesday as they beat the rush before US Thanksgiving looms with a full slate of football action Thursday.

The Kings and Sharks sit three points back of the league’s other California team – the Anaheim Ducks. The home team is 17-1 in the past eight meetings of the Kings and Sharks, according to Odds Shark.

Other top matchups include the Metropolitan Division leading Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto has started well, but got hammered 6-0 at home by Columbus Monday and will open as a road underdog here at sportsbooks monitored by hockeyodds.ca.

The Penguins look to avenge a 4-1 loss at Toronto last month.

In other action, Philadelphia visits Tampa Bay in Vinny Lecavalier’s return to the Lightning. The former Tampa captain was bought out of his contract and signed with the Flyers.

After a slow start, Philly has been hot but slumped to a 3-1 loss at Florida Monday. The Flyers have lost five of their past six trips to Tampa Bay.

In yet another important NHL wagering opportunity, two of the league’s most surprising teams clash in Denver. The first-place St. Louis Blues visit the Colorado Avalanche, revived under new coach Patrick Roy and with a talent-laden young lineup.

This is another matchup where the home team has dominated over the years, with roadies just 2-13 in 15 meetings. The Blues are expected to open as razor-thin road favorites. They have lost eight straight in Denver since April 2009.

Check out the daily hockey lines here at SBNation and watch for trends, live odds, matchup details and news every day at Odds Shark.