The Los Angeles Kings enter their March 20, 2025, matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks in a strong position, holding a 31-19-8 record as they continue their push toward playoff contention in the Western Conference. The Kings have shown solid form in recent games, covering the spread in 55% of their last ten matchups, a sign of their ability to meet and exceed betting expectations. Facing a Blackhawks team that has struggled to cover at home (40% of their last ten home games), the Kings have a statistical edge heading into this matchup. Additionally, they have dominated the recent head-to-head series, covering the spread in four of their last five meetings against Chicago. With all these factors in play, Los Angeles will look to extend its dominance over the rebuilding Blackhawks and pick up two crucial points. Offensively, the Kings have relied on a well-balanced attack, averaging 2.84 goals per game. Adrian Kempe has led the way, recording 49 points so far this season, while veteran captain Anze Kopitar continues to be a steady presence with 47 points. Kevin Fiala has added a dynamic offensive element with 39 points, and young forward Quinton Byfield has continued his development with 34 points, demonstrating his potential as a future cornerstone of the franchise. Unlike some teams that rely heavily on a single superstar, the Kings’ strength lies in their ability to spread out scoring across multiple lines, making it difficult for opposing teams to shut them down completely. Defensively, Los Angeles has been one of the stronger teams in the NHL, allowing just 2.62 goals per game. Their blue line, anchored by Drew Doughty, Matt Roy, and Mikey Anderson, has been instrumental in limiting high-danger scoring chances. The Kings play a structured defensive system that emphasizes puck control and positional discipline, making them one of the tougher teams to break down in the defensive zone. This defensive responsibility has been a key factor in their success and will be crucial against a Blackhawks team that struggles to generate consistent offense outside of their top line.

Goaltender Darcy Kuemper has been a major reason for the Kings’ defensive stability. With an 18-7-6 record, a 2.33 goals-against average (GAA), and a .914 save percentage (SV%), Kuemper has provided Los Angeles with the reliability they need between the pipes. His ability to make timely saves, particularly in close games, has been invaluable. Against a Chicago team that is likely to rely on Connor Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen for offensive production, Kuemper’s performance will be critical in keeping those key players in check. One of the Kings’ biggest advantages heading into this game is their special teams. Their power play has been effective, converting at a 20% rate, and their penalty kill has been one of the best in the league at 82%. In contrast, Chicago’s power play has been inconsistent at 18%, while their penalty kill sits at a below-average 78%. If Los Angeles can draw penalties and capitalize on their power play opportunities, they will have a significant edge in this matchup. Additionally, staying disciplined and avoiding unnecessary penalties will ensure that the Kings do not give Chicago extra opportunities to find offensive rhythm. The Kings’ playing style is built for success in matchups like this one. They are a possession-focused team that excels at limiting opponents’ scoring chances while controlling the pace of play. This approach is especially effective against a Chicago team that has struggled defensively, allowing 3.51 goals per game. If the Kings stick to their game plan, they should be able to exploit the Blackhawks’ defensive weaknesses and create quality scoring chances throughout the game. From a betting standpoint, all signs point to the Kings being the favored team in this contest. They have covered the spread in four of their last five meetings with Chicago, and their ability to control possession and play strong defense gives them a significant advantage. The Blackhawks, while playing at home, have struggled against stronger opponents, and their ability to keep up with Los Angeles’ well-structured attack remains questionable. For the Kings, this game represents an opportunity to gain a crucial two points and maintain their playoff positioning. They will need to avoid complacency against a struggling Chicago team and focus on executing their structured game plan. If they can do that, Los Angeles should be able to take care of business and extend their recent success against the Blackhawks. However, if they allow Chicago to hang around and gain confidence, the Kings could find themselves in a closer contest than expected. Regardless, expect Los Angeles to dictate the tempo and control possession, making them the favorites to come away with a road victory.