In this article we will formulate a Kings vs Flames prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, April 17th at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Kings are 48-24-9 this year after they defeated Seattle by a score of 6-5 in their last game. Los Angeles was tied at two in the second period, but they scored four straight goals, before barely hanging on for the win in the closing minutes. The Kings were outshot by a total of 34-24, won 54.2% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Los Angeles got goals from Foegele, Helenius (2), Kempe, Laferriere, and Turcotte, while Rittich stopped 29 out of 34 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Kings defeated the Oilers by a score of 5-0 and the Avalanche by a score of 5-4. Los Angeles has won four games in a row and they are currently second in the Pacific standings with 105 points. Los Angeles has scored 3.06 goals per game and they have allowed 2.44 goals against per game, while also going 17.6% on the power play and 81.3% on the penalty kill this season. Adrian Kempe has led LA with 35 goals, 38 assists, and 237 shots on goal, while Anze Kopitar has added 21 goals, 46 assists, and 98 shots on goal. Darcy Kuemper is 31-11-7 with a 2.02 goals against average and a .922 save percentage this season.
Calgary Flames Betting Preview
The Calgary Flames are 40-27-14 this season after they defeated Vegas in a shootout by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Calgary trailed 3-1 at the first intermission, but they ended up blowing a 4-3 lead in the third, before getting the win in the shootout. The Flames were outshot by a total of 42-28, won 45.9% of the face-offs, and went 2-2 on the power play in the game. Calgary got goals from Backlund, Frost, Kadri, and Klapka, while Wolf stopped 38 out of 42 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Flames defeated the Sharks by a score of 5-2 and the Wild by a score of 4-2. Calgary has won four of their last five games and they are currently fourth in the Pacific standings with 94 points. Calgary has scored 2.65 goals per game and they have allowed 2.90 goals against per game, while also going 21.2% on the power play and 76.2% on the penalty kill this season. Nazem Kadri has led Calgary with 33 goals, 32 assists, and 275 shots on goal, while Jonathan Huberdeau has added 28 goals, 34 assists, and 153 shots on goal. Dustin Wolf is 29-16-8 with a 2.64 goals against average and a .910 save percentage this season.
Why the Kings will beat the Flames
- The home team has won each of the last 10 games between the Flames and Kings.
- The Flames have lost each of their last four games at Crypto.com Arena.
- The Flames have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last eight games at Crypto.com Arena.
- The Kings have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games as home favorites following a road win.
- The Kings have won the third period in each of their last seven night games at Crypto.com Arena when leading after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Ten of the Flames’ last 11 road games against Pacific Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Five of the Kings’ last six games as home favorites against opponents on a winning streak have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in three of the Kings’ last four games as favorites.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in five of the Flames’ last six games at Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles Kings Player Prop Facts
- Quinton Byfield has scored a goal in each of the Kings’ last four games as favorites.
- Adrian Kempe has recorded at least one point in 11 of the Kings’ last 12 games against Pacific Division opponents.
- Drew Doughty has recorded at least one assist in each of his last four appearances against the Flames after playing less than 20 minutes in the Kings’ last game.
- Quinton Byfield has scored the first goal in each of the Kings’ last three games as home favorites.
Calgary Flames Player Prop Facts
- Matthew Coronato has recorded at least one point in each of the Flames’ last six games.
- Blake Coleman has recorded an assist in each of the Flames’ last four games.
- Matthew Coronato has scored a goal in four of the Flames’ last five games against Pacific Division opponents.
Kings vs Flames Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup playing very well over the last week, but this game is meaningless for both sides. Calgary was trying to catch the Wild/Blues in the wild card race, but they came up just short, while the Kings are the two seed in the Pacific. The Kings are 31-5-4 at home this year, while the Flames are 17-15-8 on the road. We have seen the Kings rest some players in recent games and I don’t think this will be any different, as they try to stay healthy for the playoffs. I would love to take the Flames in this game with that in mind, but LA has been dominant at home and I think their defense will be too much for Calgary. Take the Kings to win here.