I’ve made my Blackhawks vs Kings prediction for Thursday’s matchup at Crypto.com Arena
Drew Doughty returns to LA’s lineup after missing since November 15th with a foot injury
See my Blackhawks vs Kings prediction below, plus picks, odds and projected THursday NHL lineups
The Blackhawks visit the Kings on Thursday night in the first of back-to-back games between these Western Conference rivals. Chicago (11-9-6) dropped a 4-3 shootout decision to Vegas on Tuesday, extending their recent struggles to six losses in seven games. Los Angeles (12-7-7) saw their five-game point streak end with a 3-1 loss to Washington.
Puck drop is set for 10:00 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena. The Kings get a major boost with Drew Doughty returning after missing since November 15th, while Chicago continues searching for consistency on a four-game road trip.
Let’s dive into my Blackhawks vs Kings prediction, odds and projected starting lineups for Thursday’s NHL nightcap.
Blackhawks vs Kings Prediction
Score Prediction: Kings 2, Blackhawks 1
My Blackhawks vs Kings prediction targets the under 5.5 goals, and the supporting evidence is stacking up fast. Los Angeles has been an under machine at home, with the under cashing in their last four home games. More specifically, after losses, they shut it down defensively. The over’s failed in each of LA’s last five home games following a defeat.
Doughty’s return changes everything for the Kings defense. He’s their best defenseman, and getting him back after missing since November 15th gives them another elite shutdown option. LA already ranks 6th in goals against per game at 2.62, and Doughty makes them even tougher to score on.
Chicago comes in outgunned at both ends. The 5-on-5 numbers from their last 10 games are brutal. They’re controlling just 46.94% of shot attempts and 45.48% of actual shots. They’re getting outchanced badly with only 44.97% expected goals share.
CHI vs LAK Stats
The real story is Chicago’s unsustainable shooting over their last 10 games at 5-on-5. They’re converting at 11.52%, way above what their expected goals numbers say they should be scoring. That’s going to crash back down, especially against a Kings team that’s been dominating possession.
LA’s controlling 52.79% of shot attempts and 51.17% of shots at even strength in their last 10. They’re generating 53.11% of high-danger chances. But they’re only shooting 7.65% at 5-on-5, well below what those chances should produce. The finishing hasn’t been there, but the process is right.
Chicago’s goaltending has been a disaster over their last 10 games. Their 86.90% save percentage at 5-on-5 is getting them killed. They’ve allowed 30 goals at even strength over their last 10 while only scoring 22. Those numbers don’t win games.
The Kings have been held to two goals or fewer in four of their last five games and six of their last eight. They’re not a high-scoring team right now. They play a structured, defensive style that grinds opponents down. With Doughty back, that identity only gets stronger.
Chicago’s also 2-18 in their last 20 road games against elite defensive teams. LA qualifies as one of those teams, and the Blackhawks’ road record (5-4-3) shows they struggle away from home. They’re 1-6 in games that go beyond regulation too, which means they’re not closing out tight games.
Hawls vs Kings Betting Picks
Under 5.5 goals at -105 is my primary play. The Kings play low-event hockey at home, Doughty’s return solidifies their defense, and Chicago’s offensive metrics are due for regression. The over’s 12-4-4 in the last 20 meetings in LA, but recent trends matter more than historical data.
For props, I’m backing Connor Bedard over 2.5 shots at -152. He’s exceeded this line in four straight games, averaging 4.75 shots during that stretch. Even in a defensive battle, Bedard should get his looks. The juice is heavy, but the trend can’t be ignored.
Tyler Bertuzzi over 0.5 points at -112 is another play I’m considering. He’s recorded a point in nine of his last 11 games, averaging 1.45 points per contest. Near even money on a player producing at that rate is worth taking.
Blackhawks vs Kings Odds – Thursday Night Hockey
The Kings opened as heavy -235 home favorites, and the line has since tightened to -205. Still, the Thursday NHL odds show the market’s confidence in LA’s home dominance and Chicago’s road struggles. The public is hammering the over with 75.16% of the handle, which only reinforces my contrarian under position.
The puck line shows Chicago +1.5 at -144, meaning the market expects a relatively close game. I prefer the under to playing the moneyline or puck line given the defensive trends. These teams play again on Saturday, so Thursday’s game sets the tone for a quick turnaround.
Odds as of Dec. 4 at NHL betting apps. Claim the Caesars Sportsbook promo code for Thursday Night Hockey.
Projected Lineups: Blackhawks vs Kings
Both teams roll out their standard lineups with one major addition. Los Angeles gets Doughty back on their second defensive pairing, while Chicago remains without Nick Foligno.
Chicago Blackhawks Projected Lines
Forwards
Defense
Goalie: Spencer Knight (8-5-5, 2.52 GAA, .917 SV%)
Los Angeles Kings Projected Lines
Forwards
Defense
Goalie: Darcy Kuemper (8-5-5, 2.37 GAA, .908 SV%)
Doughty returns to the second pairing with Brandt Clarke after missing since November 15th when he took a shot to the foot against Ottawa. Warren Foegele is also expected back after missing three games with an upper-body injury. These additions give LA a full healthy lineup for the first time in weeks.
Chicago’s top line features Bedard with 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists) in 26 games. He’s their only consistent offensive threat. Bertuzzi on the second line has 14 goals but needs more support. The Kings counter with depth across all four lines and can roll their checking line of Danault against Bedard.
How to Watch Blackhawks vs Kings
Thursday’s game starts at 10:00 PM ET from Crypto.com Arena. ESPN+ and Hulu will carry the broadcast nationally. This caps off a full Thursday slate of NHL action.
USE CODE SBD1500 & GET $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS
BET $5 & GET $150 IN BONUS BETS WITH CODE DIME365
BET & GET UP TO $2,000 IN FANCASH
BET $5 & GET $200 IN BONUS BETS IF YOUR BET WINS
BET $5 & GET $150 IF YOUR BET WINS
USE CODE SBD20X & BET $1 TO DOUBLE THE WINNINGS ON YOUR FIRST 20 WAGERS!
USE CODE DIME TO UNLOCK BET $10, GET $100 BONUS
DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK T&Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
BET365 SPORTSBOOK T&Cs: Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ KY).
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK T&Cs: Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US), Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.