Calgary Flames (13-14-5) vs. Los Angeles Kings (18-6-4)
Flames vs. Kings 12/23/23 – Calgary Flames, currently 13-14-5, and Los Angeles Kings 18-6-4 will meet up for an anticipated regular-season showdown that is certain to excite both fans and analysts. While Flames hope to improve their standings while the Kings seek to maintain their dominance; fans and analysts eagerly anticipate free NHL predictions ahead of this exciting contest.
Nazem Kadri leads Calgary’s offense with 23 points total, 8 goals and 15 assists, despite earning a negative plus/minus rating. Blake Coleman and Elias Lindholm are also key contributors, with Coleman boasting an excellent plus/minus rating and Lindholm offering balanced play. To remain successful against Sacramento this season, Calgary must utilize its offensive potential against their defense.
Conversely, Los Angeles Kings’ offense is driven by Anze Kopitar, who has amassed 29 points including 13 goals. Kevin Fiala and Adrian Kempe have also contributed significantly with 56 combined points being contributed between them. Containing these three will prove difficult; their ability to find scoring opportunities has been essential to their team’s success.
Flames vs. Kings 12/23/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Jacob Markstrom vs. Goaltender Cam Talbot
Jacob Markstrom has had an extremely disappointing season so far after being one of the league’s top goaltenders last year. Through 17 starts, he owns a dreadful 2.83 goals against average along with a .901 save percentage – far cry from his 2.22 GAA and .922 SV% just a season ago where he finished as a Vezina Trophy finalist. Markstrom has already given up 4+ goals an alarming seven times, while allowing 3 or more goals in 10 of his last 12 appearances. The former All-Star is really struggling right now and could be in line for another rough outing against a dangerous Kings offense firing on all cylinders lately.
On the other end, Kings goaltender Cam Talbot continues his stellar campaign with a sparkling 2.02 GAA and .926 SV% through 21 starts. The 35-year old has held opponents to just 2 goals or fewer in five straight contests, stealing wins thanks to brilliant play between the pipes. Talbot entered the year as the backup but has since seized control of the crease with his consistently rock-solid play. He should be able to stymy a mediocre Flames offense that has managed more than 3 goals just once in their last five contests. Expect the red-hot Talbot to make the key saves when called upon Saturday night.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this matchup are currently undecided, but they will be a key indicator of the expected dynamics of the game. Bettors will be closely analyzing these odds to make informed predictions and bets.
Calgary Flames Betting Trends
The Flames have really struggled on the road this season, especially against the number with a 7-10 ATS record away from home. Calgary has also been a better over bet in recent road contests, going over eight times in their last 15 games away from the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Trends
The Kings enter this contest as the NHL’s hottest team having won five straight while scoring 24 total goals during that dominant stretch. Los Angeles has also been strong at home this season, posting a 9-6 record against the spread at Crypto.com Arena. However, the under has hit more often than not in Kings home games.
Calgary Flames vs. Los Angeles Kings 12/23/23 Betting Picks
Considering the overall performance and recent trends, the Kings appear to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their strong home record and consistent offensive output make them a formidable opponent for the Flames.
In terms of premium top picks, the Kings might be the safer pick given their recent form and strong home performance. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially those of the Kings’ leading scorers, could be intriguing. The over/under will largely depend on the goaltenders’ form on the day, but with the Kings’ offensive prowess and the Flames’ potential for scoring, a higher-scoring game could be on the cards.
Free Pick and Prediction: Los Angeles Kings 4, Calgary Flames 2