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L.A. Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks Game 2 NHL Gambling Prediction & Lines

Kings vs Hawks Playoff Betting?

Blackhawks Take Aim at 2-0 Series Lead – Host Kings in Game 2

The Los Angeles Kings find themselves in a familiar yet comfortable situation as we head into Game 2 of the Western Conference Final Wednesday night – down but not out. After rallying back from trailing in their first two rounds of the playoffs the Kings will need a strong effort Wednesday in order to take the series back to California tied.

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Los Angeles (54-34-3-6) at Chicago (55-23-9-8)
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Broadcast: RDS, TSN, NBCSN
Blackhawks Lead Series 1-0
Kings vs. Hawks Betting Lines
In Canada? Try Pinnacle Sportsbook
Los Angeles Kings +1½ -240 +135 Ov 5 +101
Chicago Blackhawks -1½ +200 -149 Un 5 -111
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LA will need to solve Corey Crawford – the Blackhawks goaltender was the difference in Game 1- surprising to some but not surprising to others.

The Los Angeles Kings were in this exact situation in the Western Final last year – down 1-0 in Chicago, looking for an answer against a team that has gotten the better of them in the last couple of seasons. The Kings played a good game for the most part Sunday afternoon – even outshooting the Blackhawks 26-20 in the loss.

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LA’s top line was conspicuously silent in Game 1. Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Marian Gaborik were held off the score sheet by Jonathan Toews and Chicago’s top line – something that is going to have to change in order for the Kings to have success in Game 2. The Kings top line has been remarkable thus far registering 16 goals and 24 assists in the playoffs but couldn’t get much going in the opener Sunday.

Jeff Carter has points in four of the past six games (two goals, four assists) and assisted on the goal in Game 1, Gaborik has 10 points in eight games, Justin Williams has four points in four games and Tanner Pearson, Tyler Toffoli and Kyle Clifford each have two points in two games. The offense is there – it’s just a matter of converting on Corey Crawford when given the chance.

Drew Doughty has just one point in seven games and Dustin Brown is pointless in three games – some contributions from these two is essential going forward!
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The Chicago Blackhawks may have gotten lucky to prevail in Game 1 – thanks to Corey Crawford and some timely goal scoring. Crawford stopped 25 of 26 shots, many of the highlight variety – he was the Star in the second period when the Blackhawks were outshot 17-6. Crawford continues to be an unsung hero in the playoffs – he is 9-4 with a terrific 1.90 GAA and .933 save percentage.

Marian Hossa had two assists in Game 1 and has points in seven of the past 10 games (two goals, 10 assists) and Brandon Saad and Duncan Keith each have two points in their last two games. Jonathan Toews continues his march toward a Conn Smythe Trophy – he had an important goal in Game 1 – his fifth game-winner of the playoffs, Duncan Keith scored and Brandon Saad tallied as well.

But last year’s playoff hero Patrick Kane has just two points in his last six games. You have to think he will snap his funk sooner than later.

Dave’s FREE NHL Betting Prediction

A few trends to consider:
• LA are 22-7 in their last 29 Wed. games.
• Under is 14-6-6 in LA last 26 Wed. games.
• LA are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. Central.
• CHI are 7-1 in their last 8 games following a win.
• CHI are 9-2 in their last 11 overall.
• CHI are 50-17 in their last 67 home games.
• LA are 6-20 in the last 26 meetings.
• LA are 5-16 in the last 21 meetings in Chicago.

The Chicago Blackhawks maybe got their bad game out of the way Sunday – and they still won! The Hawks beat the Kings 4 games to 1 last spring and they swept three regular-season games in 2013-14, outscoring Los Angeles 9-4.

That makes Chicago 8-1 in their last nine games against Los Angeles. Impressive indeed! The Blackhawks have yet to lose at home in the playoffs so far – I don’t expect the streak to end Wednesday.

The Hawks have added a defensive prowess to their game – an ominous sign for the rest of the remaining teams still alive -they look every bit the Stanley Cup favorite at the present time. The Blackhawks recent domination of the Kings continues Wednesday.

Pick: Chicago Blackhawks -149

By DaveB

Dave B has been a Fantasy Football writer for us for 10 years. A couch potato wannabe, Dave’s insights have been read by 10’s of people for years. He hope’s for world peace + global relaxation. Enjoy and remember only smoke things that are completely natural.