This is the first post of the New Year and although there are several games on tap tonight, I have only found one play that I like.
Chicago Blackhawks @ Los Angeles Kings
The Chicago Blackhawks travel to LA tonight to face off against the Kings. Both teams are on 3 game losing skids, each of which followed 4 game winning streaks. Needless to say both the Blackhawks and Kings are streaky teams, but one team will have to win tonight and that edge will surely go to the home town Kings. The Kings are (13-4-1) at home this season, while the ‘Hawks are (8-7-3) on the road. The Blackhawks are a .500 team this year and .500 teams find it hard to make the playoffs in the Western Conference. Chicago will have to have a much stronger second half of the season if they hope to defend their Stanley Cup Championship and avoid the embarrassment of not even making the playoffs following their Cup win. Quick is confirmed in net for the Kings tonight, which should provide the team with more confidence because he has had a very strong steason thus far.
I expect the Kings to bounce out of their slump against a Blackhawks team that has yet to find a new identity following the dismantling of many of their 3rd line players, who have now turned out to be stars on other teams in the NHL. The goaltending battle goes to the Kings and that should be enough for them to continue their strong play at home this season.
My Pick: Los Angeles Kings -135 (Bookmaker.com)
Written by: Niko de Jonge
Tagged with: Chicago Blackhawks • Los Angeles Kings