Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, the writers here at Last Word on Hockey bring our in-depth analysis, breaking down key matchups and storylines. Then we make a prediction about how the game will play out. Check out some of our other NHL Predictions as we continue throughout the season. For this edition, it’s the return to Hockey Night in Canada for the Calgary Flames and the Los Angeles Kings.

NHL Predictions: Calgary Flames at Los Angeles Kings

Season Series: Calgary leads 1-0

How to Watch USA: FDSNW, NHL Center Ice, NHL Network | Canada: Sportsnet West, Sportsnet+

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) | 5:00 p.m. MST | 4:00 p.m. PST

Venue: Crypto.com Arena from Los Angeles, California.

Calgary on a Run

The Calgary Flames have won their last two games, the Oilers before the break 4-3, and the Sharks in their last time out 4-1. The last time the Flames scored four or more goals in back-to-back games was mid December of 2025. Nazem Kadri was the star in the Flames’ last game, putting two goals on the board in the win despite the rumours swirling around him. Dustin Wolf was outstanding in his “hometown,” the Gilroy, California native is expected to be rewarded for that effort with the start in L.A. The Flames are looking for a three-game win streak that would match their longest of the season.

Calgary has enjoyed its time recently in California, the Flames’ last couple of trips into L.A. have resulted in wins. The last one came in a 2-1 overtime game earlier this season. One of the more impressive things about the Flames this season is having one of the best penalty-kills in the NHL. They’re in the top 10 in the league with a success rate of 82.5%.

Kings Wanting Rebound from Embarrassment

The Kings’ first game out of the Olympic break could not have gone much worse. In an 8-1 thumping against the Oilers in Artemi Panarin’s first game in a Kings sweater. We’ll be looking for the Kings to come back with a vengeance against the Flames and look to right the ship for the remainder of the season. Anton Forsberg is expected to get the start. However, that has yet to be confirmed. Always check social media and team websites for final rosters.

Among the leaders for the Kings is newly acquired superstar Artemi Panarin. With the trade, he became the Kings’ leader in points with 59. Unfortunately, the Kings will be without one of their other star players for the rest of the season in Kevin Fiala after suffering several fractures in his leg during the Olympics.

Predictions

The Kings and Flames are two of the lowest-scoring teams in the NHL this season. Both teams are averaging 2.53 goals per game. In what should be a goaltending battle, we’ll be expecting a low-scoring affair, and the Kings take out their frustration on the Flames and come away with the win.

Predictions: Kings win 3-1

Best Bets

Always verify current lines and player status before betting or finalizing fantasy rosters

For our best bets for this matchup, we’ll be looking at the over/under. This game has an over/under of 5.5, and we are taking the under for this one. As for some player prop bets, well take a look at;

Yegor Sharangovich at least two shots
Artemi Panarin multi-point game

Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

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