Kings vs Blackhawks Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Hawks Luck Runs Out

There’s a Western Conference tilt set for tonight, with the Central Division’s Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Pacific Division’s Los Angeles Kings. These two clubs are trending in opposite directions, with Los Angeles losing three straight games and Chicago winning its last three.

Will the Blackhawks continue to turn their season around, or can the Kings take care of business as large road favorites? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Kings vs Blackhawks on Sunday, January 22.

Kings vs Blackhawks best odds

Kings vs Blackhawks picks and predictions

The Chicago Blackhawks are doing a terrific job at ruining their tank for Connor Bedard this month, winning six of their last seven games. However, this miraculous run of theirs will not last much longer, as they possess one of the worst rosters in the league, and are incredibly inefficient at even-strength.

Chicago ranks last in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5, and third-to-last in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). Not only do the Hawks possesses both a terrible offense and defense, but the goaltending is not trustworthy either, as Petr Mrazek is slated to take the crease in this contest.

It has been a forgettable campaign for the veteran netminder, who is 5-10-1 with an .884 SV% and 3.98 GAA through 18 starts. Based on his metrics, positive regression is unlikely, as he ranks third-to-last among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.

That means Chicago ranks in the bottom three in the league in both offensive, defensive, and goaltending production. While the Hawks have enjoyed a nice little stretch of hockey, they will regress to the mean sooner rather than later, which could come tonight against a Kings team that is better in every way.

Los Angeles ranks 18th in the league in xGF/60 and fifth in xGA/60 at 5-on-5. Additionally, the Kings will boast the goaltending advantage with Pheonix Copley slated to start between the pipes.

While Copley got chased in last night’s contest after allowing two goals on just three shots, he should have a solid chance at redemption against the Hawks. Copley has served as a pleasant surprise for Los Angeles this season, and should have the upper-hand in the goaltending department tonight as he ranks higher than Mrazek in every single surface-level stat and underlying metric.

Although these two teams have been trending in different directions, the Kings are still the team to back with the better goaltender, offense, and defense.

My best bet: Kings -1.5 (+110 at DraftKings)

Kings vs Blackhawks moneyline analysis

If you like the Kings in this matchup, then taking the puck line at +110 is the direction to head instead of laying -230 on the moneyline. While the Hawks have put together a win streak recently, it is important to remember that each of their last 14 losses have come by at least a two-goal margin.

Meanwhile, nine of the Kings’ last 15 wins have been by at least two goals. When the inevitable regression hits Chicago, it is going to hit hard, as they struggle in every facet of the game.

Kings vs Blackhawks Over/Under analysis

The Hawks are a tough team to gauge in regards to handicapping the total, as they are one of the few squads in the league that struggles to both score and shut down opposing offenses. They rank in the bottom three of the league in both xGF/60 and xGA/60 at 5-on-5.

Their lack of scoring options offensively would suggest taking the Under, but their uninspired defense and lackluster goaltending is also capable of allowing teams to notch six goals. The offense should struggle mightily against Copley and a stingy Kings blueline unit, while the Chicago defense is likely to leave Mrazek out high-and-dry once again, which is bad news for a goaltender who has struggled in his own right.

Kings vs Blackhawks betting trend to know

Each of the Hawks’ last 14 losses have come by at least a two-goal margin. Find more NHL betting trends for Kings vs Blackhawks.

Kings vs Blackhawks game info

Kings vs Blackhawks key injuries

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