Chicago Blackhawks vs Los Angeles Kings Betting Picks

Chicago will try to make it two in a row over the Kings after it won 2-1 two nights ago. Connor Bedard scored for a third straight game, and Spencer Knight stopped 26 of 27 shots for the Blackhawks. Knight improved to 9-5-5 with a 2.44 goals-against average this season. Los Angeles has lost two straight and six of eight, and it is averaging just 1.78 goals in its past nine games. The Kings are #29 in the league in goals per game, and they are 1-5 in their past six after scoring two or fewer goals in their previous game. Chicago has won five of seven against the Pacific Division, and it has won four in a row on the road against teams with less than a .400 home winning percentage. The Kings have won only three of 12 home games. Take the Blackhawks.

The Los Angeles power play is 10th in the NHL, with the offense sixth in shots on goal. They come off a 5-4 loss at Nashville, however, dropping five of the seven because of a defense that is 25th in penalty killing, 21st in goals allowed (3.33 per game), and 25th in save percentage (.884). The Kings are on a 13-7 run OVER the total. Chicago's offense is sixth in shooting percentage, while the defense is 15th in shots on goal allowed. Four of the last five meetings between these teams have sailed OVER. Play Los Angeles/Chicago OVER the total. 

Chicago goes for its third straight win over the Kings this season, including a 5-1 victory on March 3 when Darcy Kuemper had four goals scored on him on just 18 shots. He is likely to start tonight after a 3-1 loss to Minnesota on Monday when he stopped 19 of 21 shots. Los Angeles has lost nine of its past 11 road games and five of seven overall against the Central Division. Chciago has struggled offensively lately, but the Blackhawks have won four of five home games against opponents with below .400 road winning percentages. The Kings have lost four straight versus teams that allowed at least five goals their previous game and Chicago is getting good line value in this matchup. Take the Blackhawks.

Los Angeles has won seven of the past nine meetings and the Kings have a great opportunity to snap a three-game skid as they play the hapless Blackhawks, who have lost five of six and they have the second-worst record in the NHL. Darcy Kuemper is expected to start for Los Angeles and he is 18-7-6 with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. Arvid Soderblom is likely for Chicago with a 2-4-2 mark and a 3.14 GAA. The Blackhawks beat Anaheim 6-3 on Saturday, but they haven't won two in a row since Dec. 17. Chicago is 10-46 its past 56 games as an underdog of at least +201. The Blackhawks have lost eight of 11 against the Pacific Division and 12 of 16 versus Western Conference teams. Take the Kings.