Kings vs Flames NHL Odds, Picks, Predictions

Kings vs. Flames Odds

The Los Angeles Kings head to Calgary to take on the Flames after a rocky win back home against the Blues. Los Angeles is primed to make the playoffs for the second straight year, and is getting hot at the right moment (8-0-2 in its last 10 games).

Calgary has played some decent hockey when it's needed the most. Still only four points behind Winnipeg in the wild-card race, the Flames have gone 5-3-2 in their last 10 games. Every game matters with only eight games to the end, so tonight is crucial.

Here’s a look at the odds, as well as my prediction for the Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames.

The must-have app for NHL bettors

The best NHL betting scoreboard

Free picks from proven pros

Live win probabilities for your bets

DOWNLOAD NOW

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings are one of the more deadly teams in the league and they’re led by Kevin Fiala averaging more than a point per game. Not too far behind is captain Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe, who has six points in his last three games. Los Angeles can hit you from any line as there’s hardly any other team that’s deeper.

When you’re hot, you’re hot. In the month of March the Kings have generated a high end even strength attack, ranking fourth in expected goals with a 56.83 xGF%. They also have the second best power play, scoring 25.7% of the time.

Along with its potent offense, Los Angeles has had the best defense this month with a 2.27 xGA/60. Though the penalty kill could be better, only succeeding at a 75% rate.

What a welcoming addition Joonas Korpisalo has been to this team. He and Pheonix Copley are a deadly tandem in net. Since arriving at the trade deadline, Korpisalo is playing to a .929 SV% and a 4-0-1 record.

Calgary Flames

The Flames are such a confusing team this year. They have gotten average production from big acquisition in Jonathan Huberdeau, Tyler Toffoli is posting a career year, and Elias Lindholm has taken a step back. I like the talent on this team, but it’s hard to tell what they’re going to do next.

This season has been the tale of Calgary getting its chances, but not converting. For the better part of this season, the Flames have been one of the better generators in even strength with a 54.15 xGF%. Their power play has also been rather average, only scoring 20% of the time.

What needs some work is the even strength defense. They’re 20th in xGA/60 at 2.92, but the penalty kill has held strong, succeeding nearly 82% of the time.

No one has had a more up-and-down season than Jacob Markstrom. Last year he was a Vezina nominee, and now playing to a -4.0 goals saved above expected (GSAx) and an .890 SV%. Perhaps Dan Vladar gets a look in net who’s not much better with an .896 SV% and a -7.4 GSAx.

Kings vs. Flames Pick

FanDuel has the Flames as somewhat heavy favorites, which comes as a surprise. Last week in L.A., the Kings made mincemeat out of the Flames, winning 8-2, and they haven’t shown any signs of slowing down. Sunday night was a bit of a clunker, even though they won as they blew a 5-1 lead, but I haven’t been more confident in the Kings.

The Flames are as unpredictable and volatile of a team you’ll find this season. Putting your eggs in their basket will cause a lot of headaches and frustration. Their goaltending is a question, you never know with their defense, and they’ve only received consistent production from one player in Toffoli.

The Kings are one of the deeper teams in the league, and backing them at +114 is the best bang for your buck.

Pick: Kings +114

Bet L.A. Instantly at FanDuel with QuickSlip