The Calgary Flames (29-22-6) and Los Angeles Kings (19-33-5) battle at Staples Center at 10 p.m. ET Wednesday. We analyze the Flames-Kings sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Flames at Kings: Projected starting goalies
Cam Talbot vs. Jonathan Quick
Talbot is likely to draw the start against the Kings, although with this being the first half of a back-to-back situation, it very well could be All-Star David Rittich. Either way, the Flames have a pair of very favorable matchups against losing teams in Southern California in the next two days. Since Rittich is 0-1-1 with a 4.80 goals against average and .882 save percentage through two outings against the Kings this season, we’re projecting Talbot since there is no confirmation from the team.
Quick heads into play with an 11-22-3 record, 3.05 GAA and .895 SV% across his 36 starts, although he is a more respectable 8-9-1 with a 2.58 GAA and .909 SV% in 18 starts at Staples Center. He won his only start against Calgary Oct. 19 in LA, yielding just one goal on 24 shots in a 4-1 win.
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Flames at Kings: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:25 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Flames 4, Kings 3
Moneyline (ML)
The FLAMES (-133) are just a better team right now, and the Kings (+110) cannot be trusted even though Quick has been better at home. LA has dropped five in a row at Staples Center, while Calgary is 4-1 in its past five road outings while going 6-2 in the past eight as a road favorite.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Flames to win returns a profit of $7.50, while a $10 wager on the Kings results in a profit of $11.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The Flames (-1.5, +200) are a risky play in Southern California, a place they haven’t played terribly well over the years. While they’re a better team than the Kings (+1.5, -250) by leaps and bounds in the standings, Quick has had their number this season. You cannot trust Calgary on the puck line, as they’re risky enough on the moneyline. And you can’t buy the insurance and take the Kings at home, as they cost just way too much. PASS.
Over/Under (O/U)
OVER 5.5 (-115) goes against the trends in this series, but it’s the way to be here. Quick yields too many goals per outing. The Over is also 4-0 in Calgary’s past four on the road, and 6-2 in the previous eight overall. The Over is 8-1-1 in the past 10 against Pacific Division foes, too.
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