Los Angeles Kings at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and predictions
The Los Angeles Kings (33-21-11) and Chicago Blackhawks (18-43-5) meet Friday the United Center. The opening faceoff is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET (NHL Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Kings vs. Blackhawksodds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Los Angeles played at the St. Louis Blues Wednesday as the Kings opened a 3-game road swing with a 3-1 loss. L.A., which went 4-1-0 on road ice from Jan. 31-Feb. 18, is 1-3-0 across its last 4 contests away from home.
The Blackhawks head into Friday's game off a win (7-2 vs. Anaheim Ducks Tuesday) and 2 straight off days. Chicago's Tuesday triumph came in a wild game, one rife with 88 total penalty minutes. The 'Hawks went 4-of-6 on the power play as they netted 7 goals for a 2nd straight contest.
Friday's contest is the 1st of a 3-game season series between the Kings and 'Hawks.
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Kings at Blackhawks odds
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:35 a.m. ET.
Kings at Blackhawks projected goalies
Cam Talbot (19-16-6, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Petr Mrazek (14-25-4, 3.08 GAA, .906 SV%, 1 SO)
Talbot started Wednesday at St. Louis and allowed 3 goals on 30 shots. The NHL veteran owns a robust .936 SV% over his last 9 games.
Mrazek stopped 27 of 29 in Tuesday's rout of the Ducks. That performance marked a bounceback after posting an .854 SV% across 3 games from Feb. 29-March 9.
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Kings at Blackhawks picks and predictions
Prediction
Blackhawks 4, Kings 3
Chicago's most 3 recent wins -- 2 against Arizona and 1 against Anaheim -- were not exactly against top-flight competition, but the 'Hawks have registered even-strength Corsi-for figures over 50% in 3 straight games. A club with C Connor Bedard back on the ice is generating more high-danger looks and more chances when 5-on-5, which has been a major issue for the Blackhawks.
The Chicago power play is 10 for its last 20, and the Blackhawks are 9 for their last 10 on the kill.
Mostly due to Ward, the Kings have filed a bit of a suspect save percentage of late. Los Angeles is the better team but not to the tune of this price.
BACK CHICAGO (+220).
Chicago is worth the outright flyer, but too many of the Blackhawks' losses have been by 2-plus goals. PASS on easing into this one on the puck line.
The Over is 3-1 in Chicago's last 4 games.
The Blackhawks have frequently faltered defensively after 2 days of rest, and Mrazek has not been particularly sharp of late. With Chicago's recent power-play and 5-on-5 numbers, favor an extra goal or 2 being potted in this one.
