Los Angeles Kings vs Chicago Blackhawks Predictions

Kings vs. Blackhawks betting outlook

Los Angeles is the -122 road favorite at Chicago, but the schedule argues against paying that price. According to hockey game-data site daily.hockey, the Kings are playing their second game in two nights and Game 5 of a road trip. The Blackhawks are +102 after one day off. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday at United Center.

The goalie matchup remains uncertain. daily.hockey lists Anton Forsberg as Los Angeles' likely starter and Spencer Knight as Chicago's projected starter, but neither is confirmed. Forsberg has a .894 save percentage and 2.48 goals-against average in four games, while Knight has a .891 save percentage and 3.48 goals-against average in nine. Those small samples don't justify a bet on either side.

Los Angeles is also -1.5 on the puck line. The total is 5.5, with the over at -135 and the under at +114. Unconfirmed goalies and a lack of broader scoring data make the total difficult to price, especially with the over carrying added cost.

Prediction

The market gives Los Angeles a slight edge, so the Kings are the likely winner. Still, laying -122 with a tired road team and an unsettled goalie matchup isn't worthwhile. Chicago's rest advantage isn't enough by itself to support an underdog bet. Pass.