It's a Western Conference showdown as the Chicago Blackhawks host the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night.
Both teams sit at or near the bottom of their respective divisions, but the season is early, and wins remain critical.
This is the first of three meetings this season, as each team looks to get its fourth win. Connor Bedard and Artemi Panarin headline the talent and will play a big role in what will be a tight contest.
To get you ready for this bout between two similarly-skilled teams, we have provided our expert Kings vs. Blackhawks prediction and analysis.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks betting picks and predictions
Los Angeles Kings money line (-120)
Chicago welcomes in a team playing in their second game in as many nights, but one that is red hot. The Kings have now won three of their last four games, outscoring teams 15-10 after Monday's 6-3 win over New York Rangers. They didn't enter the season with massive expectations, but a run like this isn't surprising.
Now we need to see whether they can continue this momentum against a poor Blackhawks side, and the signs look good. This team has made the playoffs in each of the past four seasons and is still hungry to take the next step.
Even without their now-retired franchise cornerstone, Anze Kopitar, the Kings still have some excellent pieces in Panarin, Drew Doughty, Adrian Kempe, and Quinton Byfield, to name a few. Beyond Bedard, Bowen Byram, and an aging Patrick Kane, Chicago truly lacks depth compared to Los Angeles.
This could be the turning point in Los Angeles' season, as a win could go a long way and make it their fourth in five games. A loss, on the other hand, could put things in a poor perspective, so the importance of this one is critical.
Under (+115)
Just last night, the Kings dropped six goals in a nine-goal game. A great performance by a team that needed it and a team that is getting hot. However, in the big picture, offense hasn't come easy.
Los Angeles currently scores at the seventh-lowest rate of 2.70 per game. This comes with a middling power play of 16.7%, and averaging 27.1 shots per game. Playing a defensively weak Chicago will open the door for offense, but don't expect them to run the score up again, especially as they travel for their second game in as many nights.
Chicago has been even worse offensively. They currently boast the NHL's second-lowest goals-per-game total of 2.18 per game, with a league-worst power play of 8.3%. They are the only team below a 10% rate. They have been all kinds of poor offensively, and I don't expect that to change.
With these teams at equal talent levels, this game could be tight the whole way through. As a result, offense will take a back seat as these teams focus on grind and grit.
Quintin Byfield to score (+210)
With Kopitar retiring last season, the Kings are entering a new phase, and Byfield needs to be one of the key pieces of the new era. The former 2nd overall pick has scored just one goal and one assist in eight games this season, and that needs to change.
Byfield has shown he can score, potting 20+ goals in three-straight seasons, including a 2024-25 playoff run that had him score three goals in six games.
Chicago has been an abysmal team defensively, allowing 3.91 goals per game, with their goaltenders posting a collective save percentage of .880.
The Kings are gaining momentum, but Byfield needs to jump in with them and start showing up for his team. Chicago presents a perfect opportunity for him.
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Los Angeles Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks odds
Los Angeles Kings | -120 |
Chicago Blackhawks | +100 |
Puck Line | LA Kings -1.5 |
Total | O/U 5.5 |
Los Angeles Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks player props
Anytime goalscorer
Adrian Kempe | +165 |
Artemi Panarin | +170 |
Connor Bedard | +175 |
Roman Kantserov | +205 |
Quinton Byfield | +210 |
Alex Laferriere | +220 |
Tyler Bertuzzi | +240 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
