Welcome back to NHL Predictions here at Last Word on Hockey! Each day of the NHL season, we preview and analyze games to give our predictions. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at a game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames. Be sure to check back each day to follow along with our predictions throughout the season.
NHL Predictions
Calgary Flames at Los Angeles Kings
Time: 10:30 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: ESPN+; FanDuel Sports Network; Sportsnet
The battle for the Pacific Division continues as the Calgary Flames play the Kings in Los Angeles for the first time this season. The Kings sit in third place in the Pacific Division entering the night. With only 51 points, they trail the Oilers by 2 points despite playing 2 fewer games. The Flames are battling with the Canucks for fourth place in the division.
The Kings Story
Los Angeles rides a four-game win streak into the game. The Kings have not played since Saturday afternoon, notching a 2-1 win against the Lightning. Los Angeles is entering another critical part of their schedule. After playing majority Eastern Conference teams since December 10th, the Kings will play a flurry of games against Western Conference and Pacific Division opponents. Five of their next six will be against the Pacific Division. To maintain their position in the standings, it is critical that they have success throughout these games.
The Kings will have a lot going for them heading into this game. Despite losing their first game against Calgary this season, this time they will play at their home Crypto.com Arena. The Kings have been dominant at home this year, going 14-2-1. Additionally, home-ice advantage has been critical in recent games against the Flames. The home team has won the past eight games when the Kings and Flames have played.
The Flames Story
The Flames will be playing the Kings tomorrow night before heading home and waiting to play them again on Saturday in Calgary. The Flames are in action back-to-back nights, playing Tuesday night in Anaheim and tonight in Los Angeles. Calgary picked up a 3-2 win against the Ducks in overtime. Playing on back-to-back nights and playing after overtime, fatigue may be an issue for them.
Dustin Wolf played last night in Anaheim, so it is likely that Daniel Vladař gets the start tonight vs. the Kings. Vladar has split time in net with Dustin Wolf and has posted a 6-8-5 record with a .888 save percentage and 3.08 GAA. The Flames will bring some talented players to take on LA. Jonathan Huberdeau leads them in points and goals, while defenceman MacKenzie Weegar leads the team in assists.
Prediction
There is so much going well for the Kings currently. Combine their recent success with the critical home-ice advantage against the Flames, Los Angeles should be the favourite in this match. One concern for them may be getting off to a slow start having not played since Saturday. If they can get off to a quick start and play a full sixty minutes, they should come out with a win.
Prediction: Los Angeles Kings 4-2 over Calgary Flames
Prop Bets of the Night
Quinton Byfield has been heating up lately for the Kings. He has five points in his last five games, including three goals. Bet365.com has Byfield as +280 to score a goal.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: January 8 Calgary Flames vs Los Angeles Kings appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.