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The Los Angeles Kings (36-23-10) continue a Western Canadian road swing versus the Calgary Flames (40-18-8) at Scotiabank Saddledome Thursday. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Kings vs. Flames odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Kings were edged 4-3 in a shootout at the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday. Los Angeles has been outscored 10-4 in its last two games and is 3-3-2 across its last eight outings.
The Flames were nipped at home by the first-place Colorado Avalanche by a 2-1 score Tuesday. The defense and goaltending were still solid, and the Flames have yielded just 2.3 goals per game across their last 10 outings.
- Money line: Kings +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Flames -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Kings +1.5 (+100) | Flames -1.5 (-125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +112 | U: -140)
Kings at Flames projected goalies
Cal Petersen (18-11-1, 2.74 GAA, .900 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Jacob Markstrom (31-13-7, 2.16 GAA, .925 SV%, 9 SO)
Petersen allowed 6 goals to the Seattle Kraken Monday, a rare rough outing. He has allowed 2 or fewer goals in seven of his previous 10 starts. He allowed 3 goals on 32 shots in a 3-2 home loss to the Flames Dec. 2.
Markstrom yielded just 2 goals on 30 shots in a tough 2-1 loss against the Avalanche last time out. He is still 7-2-2 with a 2.28 GAA and .924 SV% with a shutout in March.
Kings at Flames odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Flames 5, Kings 2
Money line
The Flames (-300) will cost you nearly three times your potential return, and that’s way too expensive. You can’t bet like that, or you’re going to be in a deep hole before too long.
AVOID.
Against the spread
The FLAMES -1.5 (-125) are a much better value laying the goal and a half.
Calgary has won by 2 or more goals in each of its last seven victories, and L.A. just played Wednesday, so the Kings’ legs are sure to be tired and the defense could be a little on the lazy side.
OVER 6.5 (+112) is the lean, ever so slightly.
It’s been all about the Over lately for Los Angeles, going 5-0-1 in the past six games, while going 9-3 in the past 12 against winning teams.
For Calgary, the Over is 3-1-1 in the past five games overall, while going 3-1-1 in its last five as a favorite, too. Look for at least 7 total goals.