Los Angeles has struggled in recent games, most recently suffering a 5-1 road loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on March 3. Despite registering 42 shots on goal, the Kings managed just one score, courtesy of Anze Kopitar. They will aim to bounce back on home ice and regain momentum in the playoff race.
St. Louis, meanwhile, is also looking for a turnaround after a 6-3 road defeat against the Dallas Stars on March 2. The Blues have been inconsistent in recent outings but have succeeded against the Kings, winning their last three head-to-head meetings. Both teams will be eager to secure two crucial points as they battle for positioning in the Western Conference standings. Here’s a closer look at what to expect in Wednesday’s matchup.
Los Angeles Kings: Key Stats and Recent Trends
The Los Angeles Kings have performed well as the moneyline favorite this season, winning 18 of 31 games in that role. When favored with odds shorter than -161, they have secured 10 victories in 19 matchups.
Based on the current odds, the Kings have an implied 61.7% chance of winning this contest. Their games have frequently featured high-scoring action, with over 5.5 total goals recorded in 27 of their 59 contests.
Over their last 10 games, Los Angeles has posted a 5-3-2 record, earning 65.0% of the possible points. During that stretch, they have averaged 3.1 goals per game, finding the net 31 times, while defensively allowing 3.2 per contest, conceding 32 in total.
St. Louis Blues: Key Stats and Recent Performance
The St. Louis Blues have frequently played as the underdog this season, entering 45 games in that role and pulling off an upset in 19, a 42.2% success rate. When listed as an underdog with moneyline odds of +135 or longer, they have secured 11 wins in 27 matchups. The NHL odds for this contest suggest a 42.6% chance for St. Louis to come out on top.
High-scoring games have been common, as 50.0% of their contests this season (31 of 62) have featured more than Wednesday’s over/under of 5.5 total goals. The Blues have been performing well over their last 10 games, posting a 6-2-2 record and earning 70.0% of the possible points. Their offense has been efficient, tallying 36 goals in that span, while their defense has remained solid, conceding 27 goals for an average of 2.7 per game.
Oddsmakers Favor Kings as Betting Favorites
The Los Angeles Kings enter this matchup as the betting favorites, with sportsbooks giving them a 62% implied probability of winning based on their 1.63 moneyline odds. On the other hand, the St. Louis Blues are considered the underdog, available at longer odds of 2.35, making them a higher-risk but potentially higher-reward option for bettors.
The puck line is set at 1.5, meaning the Kings would need to win by at least two goals to cover, while the Blues can either win outright or lose by just one goal to beat the spread. The total goals line is currently set at 5.5, offering a straightforward wager where bettors must decide whether the game’s combined goal count will go over or under that number. Those predicting a higher-scoring affair can bet on Over 5.5 at odds of 2.00.
For those interested in wagering on which team will strike first, the Kings are favored to open the scoring at 1.74 odds. Meanwhile, the Blues present a slightly riskier but potentially rewarding choice at 1.95 odds to net the game's first goal.
Adrian Kempe Leads First Goalscorer Odds
Adrian Kempe is the top favorite to score the game's first goal, with odds set at 9.00. For those looking to bet on him scoring at any point during the game, his anytime goalscorer odds stand at 2.45.
Adrian Kempe (Kings)
- First Goal: 9.00
- Anytime Goal: 2.45
Kevin Fiala (Kings)
- First Goal: 9.50
- Anytime Goal: 2.65
Jordan Kyrou (Blues)
- First Goal: 11.50
- Anytime Goal: 3.10
Robert Thomas (Blues)
- First Goal: 12.50
- Anytime Goal: 3.30
Player Shot Prop Bets
Key players like Adrian Kempe, Kevin Fiala, Jordan Kyrou, and Alex Laferriere are expected to be active in the offensive zone, making shot total props an exciting betting option. With each player carrying different odds for surpassing or falling short of 2.5 shots on goal, bettors can analyze recent performances and playing styles to make informed wagers. Here’s a breakdown of the latest odds:
Adrian Kempe (Kings)
- Over 2.5: 1.77
- Under 2.5: 2.00
Kevin Fiala (Kings)
- Over 2.5: 1.70
- Under 2.5: 2.10
Jordan Kyrou (Blues)
- Over 2.5: 2.20
- Under 2.5: 1.64
Alex Laferriere (Kings)
- Over 2.5: 2.25
- Under 2.5: 1.62
Final Words
With both teams looking to rebound from recent losses, Wednesday’s matchup presents a critical opportunity for the Kings and Blues to gain valuable points in the Western Conference playoff race. Los Angeles, favored by oddsmakers, will capitalize on home ice and improve on recent inconsistencies, while St. Louis aims to extend its recent head-to-head dominance over the Kings.
With key players like Adrian Kempe, Kevin Fiala, and Jordan Kyrou expected to make an impact and betting markets highlighting potential high-scoring action, this contest promises to be an exciting battle. Whether the Kings reinforce their playoff position or the Blues pull off another upset, fans and bettors alike can anticipate an intense and closely contested showdown.
