Calgary Flames vs. Los Angeles Kings Predictions, Picks and NHL Preview – March 31, 2016

Despite a rash of losses of late, the Los Angeles Kings are still hanging on atop the Pacific Division with 95 points. The Anaheim Ducks are still after them, though, and a win tonight against the troublesome Calgary Flames would tighten the Kings’ grip of the division’s first place.

The Flames are already out of contention of the playoffs and are merely looking to win as many games as possible before saying goodbye to the 2015-16 season.

Read on for more about this game. You can also check out our preview of Canucks vs. Sharks.

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Calgary Flames vs. Los Angeles Kings Preview

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles

When: Thursday, March 31, 2016 9:00 PM ET

Line: Calgary Flames vs. Los Angeles Kings – view all NHL lines

TV Broadcast: RSNW (Local: CAL)/ FSWHD (Local: LAK)

Betting on the Calgary Flames (32-39-6)

The regular season is still rolling, but Calgary’s campaign is long over. This season was pure disappointment for a team that managed to get as far as second round of the playoffs last year. The Flames lost to Anaheim on Wednesday, 8-2.

Shoddy goaltending has played a big part in dooming Calgary this season. The Flames are last in the NHL with 3.12 goals allowed per game. Moreover, they’re also the worst against opponents’ power play, brandishing a poor 74.6 penalty kill percentage.

That being said, LA’s power play form over the past few weeks suggests that Calgary doesn’t have to feel anxious once the Kings get on the man advantage. The Kings are just 2-for-25 on the power play during their last 10 games.

Calgary’s starting goalie for tonight’s game is a toss-up between Karri Ramo and Joni Ortio. Of the two, it’s likely going to be Ramo in between the pipes. Dating back to 2013, the Flames are 3-1 in Ramo’s last four starts against Los Angeles. That lone blemish, however, was from a 4-1 loss to LA on December 31, when Ramo allowed three goals on 23 shots faced.

Another concern for the Flames is their offense. They have scored just two total goals against the Kings this season, each coming from Mark Giordano and Sean Monahan.

Betting on the Los Angeles Kings (45-26-5)

Maybe a game against Calgary is just what the Kings need to restore their confidence. After all, they’ve defeated the Flames twice this season.

The Kings haven’t been playing like Stanley Cup contenders lately, going 1-4 in their last five games. In their most recent outing, they were dealt a 5-2 loss by rival San Jose last Monday. Los Angeles’ defense has been a letdown during this poor stretch by the Kings, as the team has allowed 20 goals in their last four outings.

Jonathan Quick resembled nothing of a Vezina Trophy winner in the San Jose game, surrendering four Sharks goals on 30 shots faced. Quick, however, was terrific in both wins against Calgary. He let in just two goals on 47 total shots faced in two meetings with the Flames thus far this season, including a 2-1 win at home on February 23.

The Kings have averaged just 2.0 goals for per game in their past five outings, but they should have lots of opportunities to score later tonight, considering the wide gap between them and Calgary’s ability to gain control of the puck. The Kings are first in the league in Corsi For, while the Flames are just 23rd overall.

The Kings are 3-1 in their last four home games against Calgary.

Writer’s Prediction

LA wins, 3-1.