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.
Kings at Flames odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.
- 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.
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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.
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