The NHL Regular Season is underway with the Los Angeles Kings traveling to the United Center to face the Chicago Blackhawks. The Kings, holding a record of 3-4-3, are seeking to improve their standing in the Western Pacific under the guidance of Head Coach Jim Hiller. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks, led by Jeff Blashill, have started strong with a 4-2-2 record in the Western Central Division.
Los Angeles comes into this contest after a narrow loss to the Nashville Predators, looking to bounce back and capitalize on previous victories against Dallas and St. Louis. Their performance this season has been mixed, sitting at 11th in the conference rankings. With a moneyline of -149, the Kings are considered the favorites in this game despite their recent struggles.
The Blackhawks, with a recent win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, are riding a positive momentum. They have shown resilience, winning four of their last five games, which includes a dominant 8-3 victory against the St. Louis Blues. As the underdogs with a moneyline of +124, Chicago will aim to leverage their home advantage and continue their strong start to the season.
Blackhawks vs Kings At a Glance
- Game Location: United Center
- Current Records: Los Angeles Kings 3-4-3, Chicago Blackhawks 4-2-2
- Broadcast Information: Available on ESPN+
- Head Coaches: Jim Hiller (Kings), Jeff Blashill (Blackhawks)
- Game Odds: Kings favored with MoneyLine -149
- Game Date & Time: Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The Chicago Blackhawks: A Pivotal Game on the Horizon
Team Overview
The Chicago Blackhawks have shown promise early in the 2025-26 season with a record of 4-2-2, indicating a solid start. They have recently demonstrated their competitiveness by winning four of their last five games, showcasing momentum as they continue through the season. This upcoming game will be a test of their ability to maintain this momentum against a strong opponent.
Key Players to Watch
Frank Nazar has been a standout performer for the Blackhawks, contributing significantly with 4 goals and 5 assists over 8 games. His presence on the ice has been impactful, making him a player to watch in the upcoming game. Additionally, Ryan Donato’s recent performances, including scoring 5 goals in the last four games, highlight his offensive contributions and potential to influence the game.
Teuvo Teravainen has also played a crucial role with 7 assists in 8 games, providing support and setting up key plays. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates will be essential in the Blackhawks’ strategy. Connor Bedard, emerging as a potential franchise player, is another key figure who can make a difference with his developing skills and playmaking ability.
Defensive and Goaltending Insights
On defense, Sam Rinzel has been improving, contributing to the team’s recent success with a 59.8% expected-goals ratio in his five-on-five ice time over the last four games. His physical play and defensive positioning are areas to watch as he continues to grow into his role. In goal, Spencer Knight has been reliable, recording 177 saves in 6 games, which underscores his importance in keeping the opposition at bay.
Recent Trades and Roster Changes
The Blackhawks recently traded forward Lukas Reichel to the Vancouver Canucks, receiving a fourth-round pick in 2027. This move reflects a shift in their roster strategy as they focus on developing their young core. The trade opens opportunities for other players to step up and fill the gap left by Reichel’s departure.
Andre Burakovsky and Jason Dickinson are currently listed as questionable, which could affect the team’s depth. The Blackhawks will need to adapt their lineup accordingly and rely on their available players to maintain their competitive edge.
Team Betting Trends
- ? Straight Up (SU) Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- ? Straight Up (SU) Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- ? Puckline (ATS) Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- ? Puckline (ATS) Last 5: 5-0 (100.0%)
- ? O/U Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- ? O/U Last 5: 1-4 (20.0%)
The Blackhawks’ recent performances, combined with their betting trends, suggest that they have been strong against the spread, especially as underdogs. However, their over/under trends indicate a tendency for lower-scoring games.
Los Angeles Kings: A Regal Battle Ahead
Team Overview
The Los Angeles Kings are preparing to take on the Chicago Blackhawks, having shown resilience in their recent games. Despite a narrow 5-4 shootout loss to the Nashville Predators, the Kings have managed to secure points in multiple contests. Their ability to stay competitive in tight games remains a strength.
The Kings currently face some challenges with injuries, impacting their defensive lineup. Angus Booth and Kyle Burroughs are both on the injured reserve list, which could affect their defensive capabilities. The team will need to rely on their depth to compensate for these absences.
Key Players to Watch
Adrian Kempe stands out as a crucial player for the Kings, with an impressive performance so far this season. With 5 goals and 7 assists in 9 games, Kempe’s offensive contributions are vital to the team’s success. His ability to open scoring opportunities is a key asset for the Kings.
Another player to keep an eye on is Quinton Byfield, who has recorded 8 points through 9 games. Byfield’s ability to assist and score makes him a versatile threat on the ice. His physical presence, evidenced by 14 hits, adds to his effectiveness.
Goaltending Situation
Darcy Kuemper has been a significant presence in the net for the Kings, having made 133 saves in 6 games. His experience and skill in goal provide a backbone for the team’s defensive strategy. While Kuemper has yet to record a shutout this season, his performance remains steady.
Anton Forsberg has also seen time in net, with 88 saves in 3 games. His contribution as a backup goaltender is valuable, especially in games that require strong defensive efforts. Forsberg’s presence ensures that the Kings have reliable options in goal.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-3 (0.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-3 (0.0%)
Blackhawks vs Kings Prediction: Under 5.5
The Chicago Blackhawks come into this game with a solid defensive track record, having not trailed by multiple goals in any game this season. Their recent success, including a 4-0-1 record in the last five games, has been fueled by strong goaltending from Spencer Knight, who made 29 saves in their recent victory over the Lightning.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings have demonstrated a pattern of low-scoring games, having gone beyond regulation in four straight games and six out of nine this season. Their recent 5-4 shootout loss against the Predators also highlights their tendency to engage in tight contests.
Given the Blackhawks’ ability to keep games close and the Kings’ knack for extended contests, a game with fewer goals seems likely. Both teams have shown an inclination towards competitive, low-scoring encounters, particularly with Chicago’s defensive reliability and the Kings’ frequent extra-time appearances.
With these elements in mind, the prediction leans towards a final score reflecting a more defensive battle. A projected score of Blackhawks 3 – Kings 2 supports the pick for the game to stay Under 5.5 goals.
- Blackhawks vs Kings Prediction: Under 5.5
- Blackhawks vs Kings Score: Blackhawks 3 – Kings 2
