Calgary Flames vs Los Angeles Kings prediction & odds

The upcoming NHL matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and the Calgary Flames at the crypto.com Arena promises to be a compelling encounter. Both teams are in search of momentum as they navigate the early stages of the season, making this fixture worth watching.

In their last five games, the Kings have struggled significantly, recording four losses and only one win. Their most recent match resulted in a 5-2 defeat against the New York Islanders on November 13, following a 3-0 loss to the Nashville Predators on November 11. The Kings' scoring average over their last five games stands at 2.6 goals per game, while they have allowed an average of 3.6 goals. This trend highlights their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly at home, where they have lost their last three games and averaged 3.0 goals scored while allowing 3.3 goals.

Conversely, the Flames have also faced challenges, having lost three of their last five games. Their latest outing ended in a 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers on November 12. Despite this, they managed a notable 4-3 overtime victory against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 9. The Flames' scoring average in their last five games is 2.2 goals, with an average of 2.8 goals allowed. This indicates a more balanced performance compared to the Kings, although they too have room for improvement.

Historically, the Kings have struggled against the Flames, holding a record of 1-3 in their last four meetings. Their most recent encounter on April 17, 2026, ended in a 3-1 loss for the Kings, while they did manage a 2-0 victory on March 1, 2026. This previous meeting history adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the Kings will aim to assert themselves against a team that has had the upper hand in recent matchups.

In terms of injuries, both teams are dealing with significant absences. The Kings will be without Erik Gustafsson and Artemi Panarin, who are both out for undisclosed and personal reasons, respectively. Additionally, Jakub Dvorak is on injured reserve with an upper body injury. For the Flames, Jonathan Huberdeau and Kevin Bahl are both on injured reserve, with Huberdeau dealing with a hip injury and Bahl with an Achilles issue. Connor Zary is also out with a knee injury. These injuries could impact the depth and performance of both teams, adding to the stakes of the game.

The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, has the Kings favored at -175 on the money line, with a spread of -1.5 and a total set at 5.5 goals. The over is priced at -115, while the under is at -105. This reflects the expectation of a competitive game, with the Kings being seen as the stronger side despite their recent struggles.

Conditions for the game will be typical for an indoor hockey match, with no significant weather concerns expected to affect play. Fans can expect a high-paced game, with both teams eager to capitalize on their opportunities. Viewers should watch for how the Kings manage to cope without key players like Panarin, who leads the team in goals, assists, and points with 8 goals, 11 assists, and 19 points. For the Flames, Joel Farabee, who leads his team with 7 goals and 17 points, will be a player to watch as he attempts to guide his team to victory.

Overall, this matchup between the Kings and Flames is set to be an engaging contest as both teams seek to improve their standings and build momentum. The Kings will aim to leverage their home advantage, while the Flames will look to continue their recent success against Los Angeles. With both teams facing injury challenges and a history of competitive encounters, fans can expect an exciting game at the crypto.com Arena.