The Los Angeles Kings will look to clinch a playoff berth with a home-ice win over the Calgary Flames. While Calgary has beaten Los Angeles in consecutive games, it's the Kings trading as a sizable home favorite in the NHL odds.
Here are my NHL picks and Flames vs. Kings predictions for their Pacific Division matchup on Thursday, April 11.
Flames vs Kings prediction
My best bet
Kings moneyline + Under 6.5 goals (+155 at SIA)
My analysis
It’s been a lost season for the Calgary Flames, who’ve gone 4-11 since the trade deadline while scoring the sixth-fewest goals per game (2.47). Making matters worse, No. 1 goalie Jacob Markstrom has missed time with a lower-body injury and played poorly when patrolling the crease with a 1-5 record, .865 SV% and 3.56 GAA during the slump.
This is also a bad matchup for the Calgary offense. The Los Angeles Kings have surrendered the fewest 5-on-5 goals per 60 minutes (1.7) since the trade deadline, and they’ve allowed the fourth-fewest per game (2.58) for the year.
I’m also anticipating the Kings making a statement Thursday after losing 3-1 on the road to the basement-dwelling Anaheim Ducks. Los Angeles has been one of the top 5-on-5 teams in the league with a fourth-ranked 53.8 Corsi For percentage and 54.4 expected goals for percentage.
L.A. also has been strong on both special teams with an 11th-ranked 22.4% power play and second-ranked 85.0% penalty kill.
Additionally, the Kings have a huge talent and depth edge — particularly on the blue line. Calgary could have four defensemen with fewer than 70 career NHL games jumping the boards if Oliver Kylington (upper body) is unable to suit up again tonight.
Flames vs Kings same-game parlay
Kings moneyline
Under 6.5 goals
Quinton Byfield anytime goalscorer
In addition to my best bet, I’m targeting Los Angeles winger Quinton Byfield to find the back of the net. Byfield is having a breakout season with 53 points — 19 goals — and skates on the No. 1 line with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe.
Even with the cushy gig, Byfield has only scored once during a 24-game goal drought. He’s fifth in shots (43), fourth in attempts (84), fifth in individual expected goals (4.49) and first in individual high-danger scoring chances (24) on the club and also has an unsustainably low 2.3% shooting percentage during the slump. Statistical correction in the goals column is ahead for Byfield.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Flames vs Kings odds
Flames vs Kings live odds
Flames vs Kings opening odds
- Puck line: Calgary +1.5 | Los Angeles -1.5
- Moneyline: Calgary +167 | Los Angeles -191
- Over/Under: Over 6.0 | Under 6.0
Flames vs Kings moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- There has been a small moneyline move to the Los Angeles side at Sports Interaction. The Kings have moved from an opening -190 to -200 as of Thursday morning
- I don’t anticipate significant adjustments leading into puck drop because of the highlighted disparities between the two teams
- The total for this game is far more interesting because there isn’t a consensus number. Sports Interaction has a 5.5 total with the higher vig (-130) on the Over
- There are available 6.0 totals as of Thursday morning, including through bet365 where the Under is priced at -125
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Flames vs Kings trend
The Kings have won five straight at Crypto.com Arena.. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs. Kings.
Flames vs Kings game info
| Location: | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Thursday, 4-11-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SNW, BSW |
Flames vs Kings latest injuries
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