The Los Angeles Kings visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night, with puck drop set for 8:00 p.m. ET at United Center. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Los Angeles is a -118 Moneyline favorite, while the total is set at O/U 5.5 goals.
Below, I’ll break down the matchup and provide my top Kings vs. Blackhawks prediction and best bet.
Blackhawks vs. Kings Odds
| Market | Los Angeles Kings | Chicago Blackhawks |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | -118 | -102 |
| Puck Line | -1.5 (+210) | +1.5 (-258) |
| Total | Over 5.5 (-135) | Under 5.5 (+114) |
Blackhawks vs. Kings Betting Preview
Chicago Blackhawks Outlook
Chicago enters this matchup on a three-game losing streak, dropping to 3-8-0 after losses to the Stars, Canadiens and Panthers. The Blackhawks have struggled to generate offense, averaging 2.18 goals and 21.4 shots per game, both of which rank 31st. Their power play has been another major weakness, converting only 8.3% of its opportunities, good for dead last in the NHL.
Connor Bedard’s return has at least provided the Blackhawks with a much-needed offensive boost. Bedard has recorded two goals and five points in five games since returning to the lineup, registering at least one point in four of those appearances. Patrick Kane leads the club with seven points, but it needs more from the rest of its lineup, considering zero players have reached double-digit points through the first 11 games. Spencer Knight is the confirmed starter between the pipes, and he sports a career-worst 3.48 GAA and .891 SV% across nine starts this season.
As expected, the underlying numbers are rather poor, too. Chicago has allowed the second-most goals and fourth-most shots per game, while controlling a league-low 41.3% of the shot attempts and 40.0% of the high-danger chances at 5-on-5. Its 40.3% expected goals share at 5-on-5 ranks 30th, so the results have not been a product of bad luck. Still, the Blackhawks should have a significant rest advantage against a Kings team arriving from New York after playing Monday night. Chicago has played six straight games at home since returning from Long Island on Oct. 8 and has not played since Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Florida.
Los Angeles Kings Outlook
Los Angeles enters Tuesday night with a 3-5-2 record, but the club has started to turn things around after opening the season without a win across its first six outings. The Kings have won three of their past four games, including a 6-3 victory over the Rangers on Monday night. Artemi Panarin has been the catalyst, leading Los Angeles with seven goals and 11 points through 10 games. He has recorded four goals and seven points across his past five outings, while Alex Laferriere has added six points over that span. Kevin Fiala, Mats Zuccarello and Alex Turcotte all remain sidelined.
The improved results are nice to see, but this club still struggles in numerous areas. Los Angeles ranks 26th in goals per game and 18th in shots per game, and its power play has struggled, ranking 25th in PP%. The club is tied for the fifth-most goals against per game and owns the NHL’s worst penalty kill at 63.3%, although it ranks 15th in expected goals allowed while short-handed, suggesting some poor luck. At 5-on-5, the Kings’ 46.3% expected goals share ranks 23rd.
The biggest concern for Los Angeles tonight is its schedule. The Kings are completing a road back-to-back after playing in New York last night, and this will be their fifth road game in eight nights. Darcy Kuemper started against the Rangers last night, which puts Anton Forsberg in line to start tonight. Forsberg has posted a 2.48 GAA and .894 SV% through three starts, and he ranks 40th out of 70 eligible goaltenders in goals saved above expected.
Blackhawks vs. Kings Prediction and Best Bet
Neither team has been trustworthy through the opening month, but this is a difficult spot for Los Angeles, given the fatigue factor. Its recent offensive improvement is encouraging, but the club still ranks in the bottom third of the league in goals, PP% and goals against per game.
Chicago’s numbers are worse overall, but Bedard has given the club some offensive juice, and the Blackhawks were still competitive in Sunday’s one-goal loss to the Panthers. With Los Angeles facing a sizable rest and travel disadvantage, I’ll take a chance on Chicago to get the job done at home.
Best Bet: Blackhawks Moneyline (-102)
Advanced stats courtesy of MoneyPuck.
