The Los Angeles Kings, led by Ilya Kovalchuk and Jeff Carter, are ready to take the ice against Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, and the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center for a Western Conference matchup. The opening face-off is at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 16, and you’ll be able to catch the game live on NBC Sports Chicago.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks Odds
Los Angeles (+130) is playing the role of underdog to Chicago (-150), and the oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals (-125 to bet the under, +105 for the over).
Chicago is 7-12 straight up (SU) and has lost 5.2 units for moneyline bettors thus far. That early-season winning percentage is a slide from what the team recorded during last year’s regular season (33-49). Among the team’s 19 games this season, 10 have gone over the total, while nine have gone under and none have pushed. Thus far, the team is 4-5 SU at home.
The Blackhawks have converted on just 13.8 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that places them in the bottom-5 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated 26th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 74.1 percent of all penalties.
Averaging 31.9 saves per game with a .891 save percentage, Cam Ward (three wins, six losses, and four OT losses) has been the primary option in goal for Chicago this season. If the Hawks, however, decide to give him the night off, the team could turn to Corey Crawford (4-6-6 record, .911 save percentage, 2.76 goals against average).
In the other locker room, Los Angeles is 5-12 straight up (SU) and has lost 9.5 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 17 regular season matches, nine of its games have gone under the total, while seven have gone over and just one has pushed. As the visiting team this season, the Kings are 1-5 SU.
The Kings have converted on just 14.3 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that places them in the bottom-10 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 20th overall and it’s successfully killed off 78.4 percent of all penalties.
Jack Campbell (.923 save percentage and 2.33 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for Los Angeles. Campbell is averaging 25.0 saves per game and owns a 5-8 record.
Los Angeles Kings at Chicago Blackhawks Free Picks
Free NHL Tip: SU Winner – Blackhawks, O/U – Over
