Calgary Flames @ Los Angeles Kings - April 17, 2025

Divisional bragging rights are on the line tonight as the Calgary Flames head to Crypto.com Arena to take on the Los Angeles Kings. This matchup has all the makings of a classic, with both teams riding hot streaks and looking to solidify their playoff positions. The Kings opened as -200 favorites, and you can bet that they’ll be looking to maintain their momentum after a thrilling 6-5 win over Seattle. Meanwhile, Calgary is coming off a nail-biting 5-4 victory against the Golden Knights.

Now, let’s break down what we can expect from this game. The Kings have been nothing short of impressive lately, boasting a record of 48-24-9 and winning four straight games. They’re averaging about 3.0 goals per game while generating just over 28 shots, which shows they know how to get pucks on net effectively. Their shooting percentage may not be eye-popping at around 11%, but their corsi percentage of over 53% indicates that they’re controlling play well in the offensive zone.

On the flip side, the Flames have had their struggles this season despite an encouraging three-game win streak bringing them to a record of 40-27-14. Scoring just under 2.6 goals per game isn’t going to cut it against a team like Los Angeles unless they find ways to capitalize on opportunities—especially with a power play that’s converting at about 20%. Calgary’s defensive stats tell another story; they’re allowing nearly 90% saves but also have a penalty kill percentage below 76%, which could be crucial tonight if they end up in the box.

While I’m leaning toward Los Angeles taking home the victory here, I believe Calgary will cover the spread given their recent form and determination not to let divisional rivals walk all over them. The total for this game is set at 6.5, but considering both teams’ recent trends—the Flames going OVER in four of their last five—I’m feeling like we might see an UNDER tonight instead. The Kings’ defense has tightened up significantly lately; combined with Calgary’s struggle to score consistently, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see a lower-scoring affair than expected.

In summary: my prediction is that Los Angeles takes this one home while Calgary manages to cover the spread. Expect some grit from both sides as these divisional rivals clash in what should be an entertaining matchup! Remember my betting ritual: always wear your lucky socks when placing those bets! Let’s hope for some legendary wins tonight!