[7:08 PM] Kings @ Blackhawks

Who will WIN this matchup?

Los Angeles Kings (4-3-0)

@ Chicago Blackhawks (4-3-1)

 

Starting Goalies:

Peter Budaj (LAK): Unconfirmed

Corey Crawford (CHI): Confirmed

 

Current odds:

Los Angeles Kings: (+145)

Chicago Blackhawks: (-165)

 

• After needing overtime to notch their first road victory of the season, the Chicago Blackhawks open a three-game homestand against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday night. Chicago and Los Angeles have waged a heavyweight battle for NHL supremacy in recent years, each winning two Stanley Cups in a span of four seasons (2012-15).

• Peter Budaj opened the season with Ontario of the American Hockey League but found himself as the starter with Los Angeles after the injuries to Quick and Zatkoff. The 34-year-old Budaj has been tested by a slew of tight games, winning his first four starts in overtime or a shootout before the 1-0 defeat in St. Louis. Kings defensemen Brayden McNabb sustained an upper-body injury late in Saturday’s game and will be re-evaluated Sunday.

• Artem Anisimov delivered the game-winner in overtime at New Jersey to boost his goal total to five and team-leading point total to 10. Coach Joel Quenneville said Anisimov did not receive enough credit last season while playing on a line with Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin.

• Kane has 10 goals and 30 points in 30 games against Los Angeles.

• Kings coach Darryl Sutter needs one win to reach 600 for his career.

• Blackhawks F Richard Panik has a team-high six goals but has been held off the scoresheet in four meetings against the Kings.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Chicago Blackhawks

Confidence: 5/10

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