The NHL season concludes on Thursday evening as the Los Angeles Kings host the Chicago Blackhawks. NHL odds have Los Angeles as a massive -360 favorite while the total sits at 6.
Find out which side I’m on in my free NHL picks and Blackhawks vs. Kings predictions for Thursday, April 18.
Blackhawks vs Kings prediction
My best bet
Kings -1.5 (-130 at DraftKings)
My analysis
This is a meaningless game for the Chicago Blackhawks. They were eliminated from the playoffs before the season even began while their lottery ball odds are set in stone with the second-best chances at landing Macklin Celebrini.
Connor Bedard also has the Calder Trophy wrapped up, so I just expect a light and easy going from a group that will probably just try some unique combinations and give “lesser” guys looks for next season. However, the opposite is true for the Los Angeles Kings as its playoff seed is still undetermined.
These are not necessarily a “needed” two points for the Kings, but it can only help. Therefore, we should expect a strong effort from a group that is already head-and-shoulders above Chicago.
This season, Los Angeles ranks higher than the Blackhawks in essentially every category across the board: goals scored per game, shots on goal per game, power play percentage, shooting percentage, faceoff percentage, goals allowed per game, shots on goal allowed per game, and penalty kill percentage. The Kings are also the better team analytically, ranking higher in expected goals for per 60 minutes, expected goals against per 60 minutes, and expected goal differential per 60 minutes.
They also boast the advantage in net as goaltender Cam Talbot is slated to guard the cage for Los Angeles. Talbot put together one of the best seasons of his career, posting a .915 SV% and 2.47 GAA through 53 appearances in the crease.
Against the Hawks this season, he is 2-0 with a remarkable .962 SV% and 1.00 GAA. The Kings won each of those games by four or more goals, a trend likely to continue on Thursday.
Blackhawks vs Kings same-game parlay (SGP)
Kings -1.5
Kevin Fiala anytime goal
If we are backing Los Angeles to win by two or more goals, then we obviously need some pucks to find the back of the net. A good option to back in that department is forward Kevin Fiala, who is second on the team with 29 goals.
Not only is Fiala a threat to score at even strength, but he also leads the team in power play goals. I mention this because Chicago ranks 26th in penalty kill percentage.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Blackhawks vs Kings odds
Blackhawks vs Kings live odds
Blackhawks vs Kings opening odds
- Puck line: Chicago +1.5 | Los Angeles -1.5
- Moneyline: Chicago +285 | Los Angeles -360
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Blackhawks vs Kings moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- Los Angeles opened as a massive -360 favorite. I don’t anticipate the market moving that line even further just because of the huge price tag, but I also highly doubt much respected action is going to come in on Chicago.
- The total can be found at 5.5 or 6, depending on the book. If you like the Over, I would strike sooner rather than later as I think the market is more likely to push this total higher rather than lower.
- There were eight total goals scored when these two teams last squared off a month ago.
Blackhawks vs Kings trend
Los Angeles has won seven of the past nine meetings between these two clubs, with four of those wins coming by at least a two-goal margin. Find more NHL betting trends for Blackhawks vs. Kings.
Blackhawks vs Kings game info
| Location: | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Thursday, 4-18-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 11:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBC Sports Chicago, Bally Sports West |
Blackhawks vs Kings latest injuries
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