The Los Angeles Kings are still fighting for playoff security as a top-three team in the Pacific Division with a 38-26-10 record. They will be facing off with the struggling Chicago Blackhawks (24-37-11), who just want to end a lengthy losing streak. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our NHL odds series, which includes our Kings-Blackhawks prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below

Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Kings-Blackhawks odds:

NHL odds: Kings-Blackhawks Odds

Kings: -1.5 (+168)(-150 ML)

Blackhawks: +1.5 (-205) (+125 ML)

Over: 6.0 (-114)

Under: 6.0 (-106)

*Watch NHL Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)

Why the Kings Could Cover the Spread 

Even though they are third in the Pacific Division, the Kings can't be too happy with where they are at the moment, as they have lost three games in a row and are now just two points ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights in the standings. Los Angeles is also coming off an awful 6-3 road loss to the Minnesota Wild last Sunday in which the Kings squandered a 3-0 lead. Despite their struggles, the Kings can't just be underestimated because they still know how to drive the offense. They just have an issue with finishing on that end of the rink. Los Angeles is 11th in the NHL in 5-on-5expected goals for rate (161.4) and 10th in 5-on-5  high-danger scoring changes percentage (52.9%), as of this writing.

The Kings, who are also fifth with a 5-on-554.1 CF%, could finally break through and capitalize on their healthy puck possession numbers this time against a careening Blackhawks squad that has lost seven games in a row that has one of the worst scoring defenses this season, allowing 3.51 goals per contest. Moreover, Chicago is third-worst overall with just a 46.2 CF%, so expect the Kings to be royal once again in the battle for shots on goal this Tuesday night.

Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar are among the chief threats on offense for the Kings, with those players leading the team with 4.4 and 3.6 offensive point shares, respectively. Chicago appears to be the ideal opponent for the Kings for a rebound, as Los Angeles has won eight of the last 11 matchups.

Why the Blackhawks Could Cover the Spread

The Blackhawks have a chance of making a complete circle later tonight – sort of. The last time Chicago won was when it defeated the Kings on Mar. 24 on the road, 4-3, via shootout. Since then, the Blackhawks dropped from a cliff, going winless in seven consecutive games, including two in overtime. The last time they were on the ice, the Blackhawks lost 6-4 to the Dallas Stars at home. Nevertheless, that four-goal offensive outburst was a good sign for the Blackhawks, who had not buried more than two goals in any of the previous four contests.

They also went 1/2 on the man advantage versus Dallas, which makes it 5/18 for Chicago in six games. That’s encouraging data for the Blackhawks heading into the meeting with the Kings, who aren’t exactly a very successful team in snuffing out opposing power plays this season.

In fact, the Kings are a mediocre team against power plays with just a 76.62 success rate in penalty killing. Patrick Kane (82 points) and Alex DeBrincat (67 points), the top two scorers for the Blackhawks this season, will look to strike again versus the Kings. They each had a goal in the first meeting with Los Angeles and have combined for a couple of goals and four assists over the last four Blackhawks outings. Collin Delia will patrol the crease tonight for Chicago. The netminder had 43 saves on 46 shots faced in the win over the Kings. Lastly, Chicago will skate into this game with a 5-2 record in its last seven contests versus Pacific teams.

Final Kings-Blackhawks Prediction & Pick

The Kings aren’t exceptional, but they look elite by comparison with the shape the Blackhawks are in right now. Los Angeles is also still playing for something important, while Chicago merely is waiting for the regular season to end. Plus, the Kings would have an extra fire for this game, as they look to even things up between them and the Blackhawks after losing to Chicago last time out.

Final Kings-Blackhawks Pick: Kings (-150 ML)