NHL Predictions: Nov. 11 with Los Angeles Kings vs Calgary Flames

Heading into the 2024-25 season the Flames and Kings had different season expectations. Los Angeles were looking to get back to the playoffs and give their all-time franchise greats, Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar a chance at one more Stanley Cup. Calgary, on the other hand, is entering season two of a rebuild, looking to maximize future assets and give young players an opportunity to take on larger roles and develop. Let’s take a look at how these two teams stack up ahead of their first matchup of the season.

Los Angeles Looks to be the Real Deal

The Kings currently sit atop the Pacific Division (second in points percentage) and look to be playoff-bound early in this new season. Los Angels has looked strong overall and currently sport a +7 point differential. LA’s off-season was one of addition by subtraction. The Kings moved on from Pierre-Luc Dubois after just one season. They also moved on from Viktor Arvidsson, Carl Grundstrom, and Matt Roy. On paper, the team looked to be weaker heading into the new season. However, they’ve been able to get good contributions from veterans like Warren Foegele and Trevor Lewis, while youngsters Brandt Clarke and Alex Laferierre have stepped up.

Future Hall of Famer Anze Kopitar currently leads the team in scoring, although LA brings a balanced attack with three strong forward lines. The biggest question mark for LA will remain in goal with a tandem of David Rittich and Darcy Kuemper, but so far they’ve been able to get the job done. LA has won three of their last four games and are playing well entering tonight’s contest.

Calgary Remains Competitive

Calgary followed up a 5-0-1 start to the season with four straight losses. The rollercoaster start had everyone trying to figure them out. Is Calgary a better team than many thought, or are they a rebuilding team destined to finish near the bottom of the league? After their most recent recent road trip, we might be closer to the answer. The Flames went 1-0-2 picking up four of a possible six points. All three games went to overtime or shootout. Calgary looks to be a team that can compete with any team in the league as long as they bring their best effort. They won’t be able to out-skill many teams, but with a strong effort, they can hang around. The Flames currently find themselves in the first wildcard spot in the West and could be battling for a playoff spot down the stretch if they can continue to battle the way they have to start the season.

Calgary has gotten above-average goaltending from the tandem of Daniel Vladar and Dustin Wolf to start the season. They are being led offensively by defenceman Rasmus Andersson who is off to an impressive start. Calgary is getting scoring from a mix of veterans and youngsters. Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri sit tied for the team lead with 5 goals. Connor Zary looks to be building off his strong sophomore season and Matthew Coronato has been the hottest Flame since his recent callup.

NHL Predictions Kings vs Flames

Calgary is coming off a solid road trip and have been putting together strong efforts as of late. This game could be a letdown game after the Eastern road trip. The Flames have also had a bit of a bad habit of falling behind early. If they fall behind they’ve proven they can battle back, but LA might be too good.

The Los Angeles Kings look to be the better team on paper, and they have been playing strong hockey lately. Expect them to come in and bring a strong two-way game. If the Kings get out to a lead they may be too strong for the Flames to come back. Look for special teams to be a factor and for Los Angeles to outlast the Flames.

Prediction: Los Angeles wins 4-2

Prop Bets of the Night

BET365 has the Kings as the favourite and the over/under right on our projected goal total of six. For those reasons, we’re staying away from game bets and focusing on some player props.

On the Los Angeles side we like Anze Kopitar to get 2 points at +400 and Brandt Clarke over 0.5 points at +228.

On the Flames side we like Matthew Coronato to stay hot and score a goal for +475 as an anytime goalscorer.

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Main photo by: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images