A pair of teams headed in different directions meet at United Center on Sunday as the Chicago Blackhawks (+190) will be looking to build on their winning run when they welcome the struggling Los Angeles Kings (-235). The total is 6.5 (O: +100, U: -120)Both teams will be playing the second of a back-to-back. The Kings are 1-4 without a day off, while the Blackhawks are 0-6.
Los Angeles (25-17-6) is coming off a high-scoring 5-3 loss against the Predators yesterday, their third consecutive defeat. The Kings took advantage of their power play opportunities, scoring once on four shots, while also conceding a power play goal. Sean Durzi, Adrian Kempe, and Quinton Byfield each scored once for the Kings.
Durzi added an assist to share the scoring lead with Anze Kopitar, who had two assists. Pheonix Copley started in the loss and only had one saves on three shots against (.333%).
Chicago (14-26-4) won their third straight game, beating the Blues 5-3 yesterday. Five players found the net for the Blackhawks. Jason Dickinson scored and provided two assists to lead the team in scoring. Jaxson Stauber saved 29 of 32 shots.
HEAD TO HEAD
The teams have split their two meetings this season, the most recent of which was a 2-1 (OT) victory for the Kings in November. Phillip Danault led Los Angeles with two points (1G 1A). Taylor Raddysh scored Chicago’s only goal. Jonathan Quick got the win, saving 31 of 32 shots (.968%).
FACING OFF
Los Angeles is averaging 3.19 goals per game for the season, 15th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Blackhawks team that is allowing 3.61 goals a game (26th). Meanwhile, Chicago has found the net 2.43 times a game on average, 31st in the league, and the Kings are allowing opponents to score 3.44 goals per game (23rd).
Chicago averages fewer shots a game (26.5) than any other team in the league, while the team’s 9.2% shooting percentage is 27th. Los Angeles has proven to be one of the league’s less successful shot-stopping teams, ranking No. 31 with a team save percentage of .884%.
The Kings’ 24.40% power play percentage ranks ninth in the league, while the Blackhawks are 23rd with a conversion rate of 19.85%. While efficient on the power play, Los Angeles has been less impressive at penalty killing, as the away team owns the league’s fifth-lowest PK% at 73.33%. Chicago’s 74.81% ranks 24th in the NHL.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 47 points this season, Kevin Fiala is the top skater for the Kings. He has 16 goals and 31 assists in 48 games. In the net, Copley (12-3-0) is Los Angeles’ top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 2.78 GAA and a .898% save percentage.
Quick (8-10-4) leads the Kings in games played in goal. He has a GAA of 3.35 and a save percentage of .884%. Max Domi and Patrick Kane lead the Blackhawks in scoring with 31 and 30 points, respectively. Domi has 14 goals and 17 assists, while Kane has eight goals and 22 assists.
Arvid Soderblom (2-10-2) has the best goals against average for Chicago at 3.45. He has a save percentage of .894%. Petr Mrazek (5-10-1) has played the most games in net for the Blackhawks this season. He has a 3.98 GAA and a .884% save percentage.
HOME AND AWAY
Los Angeles is 11-8-4 on the road this season. Chicago is 9-15-2 at United Center this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
LA Kings (-225)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
