NHL Odds, Preview: Kings vs Blues Prediction (Sunday, January 28)
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) Pictured: Jordan Binnington
Kings vs. Blues Odds
| Kings Odds | -145 |
| Blues Odds | +120 |
| Over / Under | 6 -125 / +105 |
Here's everything you need to know about the Los Angeles Kings vs. St. Louis Blues on Sunday, Jan. 28 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
There are just two games on Sunday's NHL schedule, which kicks off with the Kings continuing a three-game Central Division road trip in St. Louis. A lot has changed since Los Angeles dispatched the Blues 5-1 on home ice back on Nov. 18.
The Kings are now mired in a major slump and the finger-pointing has begun. Meanwhile, the Blues have started to find their swagger since interim coach Drew Bannister took over in mid-December, and they're now riding a four-game winning streak.
With just two games remaining for each team before the All-Star Break, the Kings would dearly love to stop the bleeding and head into their vacation on a positive note. However, bettors shouldn't expect Sunday's matchup to be a slump buster. So, let's get to my prediction for Kings vs. Blues.
What a difference a month makes. After a sizzling start, the Kings have gone 2-8-5 since Dec. 27 and collected just nine of a possible 30 points. Their special teams have remained solid, but they've scored an average of just 2.2 goals a game during this stretch, while surrendering 3.27.
A bright light in the season, Quinton Byfield sat out Friday's game due to illness, but practiced in St. Louis on Saturday, so it looks like he'll be good to go. But with Blake Lizotte on injured reserve with a lower-body issue, the Kings recalled center Alex Turcotte from the Ontario Reign on Saturday. The 22-year-old, who was selected fifth overall in 2019, has played 12 NHL games during the past two seasons, but has yet to record his first point.
In net, Cam Talbot was replaced by David Rittich on Friday after giving up three first-period goals to the Avalanche. Talbot's save percentage is down to .911 from a high of .933 in early December, although he's still at 2.5 goals above expected. Rittich has been steady since his recall in mid-December, with a 4-1-2 record and 5.6 goals saved above expected.
Meanwhile, the Blues are surging. They're back home after sweeping a three-game Pacific Division road trip and are looking for their fifth-straight win. All told, St. Louis is 9-6-1 since replacing coach Craig Berube with Bannister on Dec. 14. The Blues look to be re-establishing the gritty identity that was front and center during their worst-to-first run to the 2019 Stanley Cup and are on the cusp of returning to the playoff picture.
The Blues aren't burning up the score sheet as only Robert Thomas is averaging better than a point-a-game (51 points in 47 games) and no one has yet to hit the 20-goal mark. However, seven St. Louis' players are into double-digits in scoring, including resurgent veteran Kevin Hayes.
One of the most noteworthy changes since Bannister took over is on the power play. It's clicking at 28% since his arrival and is 4-for-8 during the current four-game winning streak.
The only injury to note is Kasperi Kapanen, who is sidelined with a lower-body issue.
In net, Jordan Binnington has been carrying most of the load. He's 6-1-1 in his past eight games and is up to 8.1 goals saved above expected this season.
(In North Carolina? With NC sports betting expected to come online as soon as March, you’ll soon be able to bet legally on the NHL at major sportsbooks. Learn more.)
Kings vs. Blues
Betting Pick & Prediction
Sitting just one point behind Los Angeles in the Western Conference standings, the Blues can use Sunday's game to leapfrog their opponents and put themselves into a wild-card spot. Given how well they've played lately, expect them to seize the moment.
The Kings were road warriors early in the season, but have gone 5-1-2 in their past eight away games, and the Blues are solid at home (14-8-1). Yet the betting line opened with the Blues as +114 underdogs, and has since moved as far as +126 at FanDuel.
Jump on that number if you can.
Pick: Blues Moneyline (+126 at FanDuel) | Play to +100
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