The Chicago Blackhawks will take their act to Hollywood Thursday night, as they look to play spoiler against a surging, but depleted Los Angeles Kings club.
It hasn’t been an easy stretch for Chicago, especially after the trade deadline has come and gone, with many faces shipped out to new destinations. That’s really impacted their overall squad depth, and hurt them in key positions. Without Brandon Hagel up front, and Marc-Andre Fleury in goal, Chicago’s play without the puck has become even looser – a bad omen for a surging Kings squad.
Los Angeles will play keen hosts on Thursday night, eager to further secure their spot within the Pacific Division playoff race. It’s been an impressive year for this young and hungry squad, and Todd McLellan has gotten everything he can out of this club. They’re 6-3-1 in their past ten games, and recently throttled Nashville 6-1 on Tuesday. Though they are dealing with some key injuries, the depth and drafting of this organization has allowed L.A. to stay afloat.
With the Kings continuing their push to close in on a Pacific division playoff spot, this is a group that is well-aware that conceding points to the lowly Blackhawks shouldn’t be a possibility. Can this young group take care of the veteran Blackhawks? Or will Chicago be up for a big-time challenge on Thursday night? For answers, as well as the latest info and betting analysis, continue reading on beneath the posted odds for our pick and betting preview for this showdown. Enjoy!
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— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 24, 2022
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Los Angeles Kings Live Odds & Betting History
*These odds are provided by BetOnline.ag
| TEAM DATA | HAWKS | KINGS |
| Overall Record | 23-32-9 | 35-22-8 |
| ATS Record | 33-31 | 39-26 |
| Home/Away Record | 12-16-3 | 17-13-3 |
| Goals Per Game | 2.6 | 2.8 |
| Goals Against Per Game | 3.4 | 2.8 |
| Shots On Goal Per Game | 28.7 | 34.6 |
| Shooting % | 9.8 | 8.9 |
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Los Angeles Kings Prediction:
Despite the fact that the Kings are without some key pieces to their lineup, including star defender Drew Doughty – this is still a team on the rise, and one getting results. They have excellent organizational depth, and its paying dividends at the moment. Coming off a big 6-1 win over Nashville, the Kings should have no issue taking care of an indifferent Hawks squad merely playing out the season.
Expect Los Angeles to push the pace from puck-drop, utilizing impressive top-nine depth to overwhelm a slow-footed Blackhawks’ defensive corps. The Kings have routinely outplayed opposition at even strength, and enter Thursday night sitting top-ten in virtually all offensive statistical categories, aside from finishing. This is a team that consistently generates all kinds of chances and shots on goal, despite not having the best of puck luck. Against a woeful Hawks’ goalie in Colin Dellia, look for the Kings to take full advantage in this one.
Chicago counters with some good individual pieces, but the depth and quality of roster just isn’t there to match the pace of the Kings. Losing Fleury at the deadline was a huge loss both on and off the ice for this club, and without him expect many of Chicago’s defensive flaws to get badly exposed. Their goaltending tandem is now among the worst in the NHL, and I’d expect a tough outing for Chicago on Thursday, especially in the second half of a back-to-back situation.
Look for Los Angeles’ impressive top line of Anze Kopitar, flanked by Adrian Kempe and Alex Iafallo to use their blend of pace and physicality to really overwhelm the shoddy blue-line of Chicago. The Blackhawks are miles out of a playoff spot, and won’t have too much motivation to push beyond their tired legs after last night’s game in Anaheim.
Anže Kopitar forces the turnover and find Adrian Kempe (27) in the slot for a quick wrist shot
Assist:
Anže Kopitar (37)#GoKingsGo #Preds #LAKvsNSH pic.twitter.com/Enps8PTHQc— LA Royalty (@LARoyalty1967) March 23, 2022
Kings vs. Blackhawks Trends To Know:
- Blackhawks are 8-18 in their last 26 overall.
- Blackhawks are 5-16 in their last 21 games playing on 0 days rest.
- Blackhawks are 0-4 in their last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
- Kings are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
- Kings are 7-2 in their last 9 games as a home favorite.
- Blackhawks are 1-7 in the last 8 meetings in Los Angeles.
- Home team is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
The trends overwhelmingly point to a convincing victory for the surging Kings. Despite missing pieces, this group has consistently stepped up and gotten the job done. Cal Petersen of Los Angeles provides excellent goaltending, and look for the Kings’ top-six forward group to really hold a decisive advantage over Chicago’s defense. It’s a tough spot for the Hawks, and expect them to cave as a result.
