Calgary Flames vs Los Angeles Kings Game Preview
The Calgary Flames visit the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with puck drop set for 7:00 PM ET on NHLN. Both teams are in that uncomfortable middle tier where every loss feels heavier than it should. Calgary is 24-27-6 and trying to build something on this road swing. Los Angeles is 23-21-14 and desperate to stop the spiral after getting crushed twice to open play after the Olympic break.
The Kings have been outscored 14-5 in back-to-back losses since the break, and the 8-1 loss to Edmonton was the kind of game that makes everyone start talking about the coach even if the room insists it’s still together. The problem is it wasn’t a one-off. The Kings haven’t looked sharp, and now they might be missing key pieces after injuries in that Oilers game.
Calgary, meanwhile, came out of the break with a clean 4-1 win over San Jose. Dustin Wolf was excellent, Nazem Kadri drove offense, and the Flames looked like they had more urgency than they’ve shown at times this season. The only wrinkle is whether Calgary sticks with Wolf here or saves him for the next stop.
Calgary Flames vs Los Angeles Kings Odds
These are the current betting lines, and bettors should always monitor updated prices and shop numbers throughout the day using the latest NHL odds.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary Flames | +134 | +1.5 (-197) | O 5.5 (-112) |
| Los Angeles Kings | -158 | -1.5 (+157) | U 5.5 (-110) |
Calgary Flames Betting Form
Calgary’s last game was encouraging because it wasn’t a fluky win. They controlled stretches, got solid goaltending, and they finished. Kadri scoring twice matters because the Flames don’t have a ton of easy offense. When that line is driving play, Calgary can look like a team that belongs in a tight game on the road.
The bigger betting note is the goalie plan. If Wolf sits and Calgary goes to Devin Cooley, the entire game shifts. It doesn’t automatically mean Calgary is dead, but it changes how you think about the total and whether the +1.5 has more value than the moneyline. The Flames are not a team built to win games 5-4. They want a controlled, low-event script where one or two goals can be enough.
For recent results and road splits, the Calgary Flames stats and results page is the quick check. Availability matters here, so monitor the Calgary Flames injury report before puck drop.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Form
The Kings are in a rough spot and it’s not just results, it’s the way they’re losing. When a team gets blown out back-to-back after a long break, it usually points to details and confidence more than talent. Los Angeles is allowing too many clean looks, and once they fall behind, the structure has not been there to keep the game from turning into a mess.
Injuries are another major variable. Drew Doughty and Joel Armia being questionable matters, and Kevin Fiala being out is a real blow to their scoring depth. The Kings can still play defense when they’re healthy and connected, but if they’re missing key pieces, it becomes harder to play the tight, low-event style they prefer. That’s also why I’m not totally comfortable laying a Kings price unless the lineup looks stable.
If you want a snapshot of recent trends and home splits, the Los Angeles Kings schedule and stats page helps. And because the lineup is clearly in flux, monitor the Los Angeles Kings injury report before betting.
Calgary Flames vs Los Angeles Kings Matchup Breakdown
This matchup is about who settles first. Los Angeles is playing with pressure, and the first ten minutes matter more than usual. If the Kings start slow again and Calgary gets the first goal, you can feel the game tighten for L.A. quickly. That’s when the Kings start forcing plays, and that’s when turnovers show up.
Calgary’s path is pretty direct. Protect the middle, keep the game five-on-five, and let Kadri’s line drive the offensive moments. The Flames don’t need to dominate. They need to keep the game from opening up. Los Angeles is built to win 3-2 games. So is Calgary. That’s why the total is 5.5 and not higher, even with the Kings’ recent blowouts.
Special teams could be the separator simply because both teams are more comfortable in tight games. One power-play goal can decide it. And if the Kings are missing key defenders, their penalty kill structure becomes even more important.
If you want a sharper framework for deciding whether to lay a favorite in a pressure spot or take the plus money and a puck-line cushion, the NHL betting guide is useful. And for a bigger-picture lens on how pricing changes when teams drift toward the deadline, the Stanley Cup betting guide helps explain why certain markets can move fast when injury and urgency collide.
Calgary Flames vs Los Angeles Kings Predictions and Best Bets
My lean is Los Angeles on the moneyline at -158, but it comes with a condition: the lineup has to look reasonable. The Kings are in a spot where they should come out desperate, and they’re at home against a Flames team that may be managing its goalie usage. If L.A. plays a normal defensive game, they can win this without needing four or five goals.
That said, I respect Calgary +1.5 at a playable price more than I usually would in this type of matchup. The Kings have been volatile since the break, and Calgary is built to hang around in low-event games. If you think Wolf starts, the dog becomes even more interesting. If Cooley starts, it gets a little less comfortable, but the Kings still have to prove they can stop the bleeding.
On the total, I lean Under 5.5. Both teams prefer structure, and the cleanest version of this game is 3-2 either way. The risk is that the Kings’ recent confidence issues show up early and turn it into something looser. But if L.A. is serious about resetting, tightening things up is the first step.
Best Bet: Under 5.5 (-110).
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
If you’re betting NHL daily, these are the games where timing matters. A goalie confirmation or a late injury update can shift value quickly, especially when the total is low and the puck line is heavily juiced. Checking today’s NHL picks is a good way to compare multiple angles before you lock in a number.
ScoresAndStats keeps everything transparent. You can compare different styles on the top sports handicappers, validate long-term performance on the handicapper leaderboard, and if you want more volume beyond the free board, you can buy expert picks and keep your slate organized. For more daily matchup breakdowns in this exact format, the NHL previews hub is the clean way to stay on top of the board.




