NHL Game Preview: Calgary Flames (24-27-6) vs. Los Angeles Kings (23-21-14)

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Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST (4:00 PM PST)
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
TV: NHL Network, SN West, FDSW

A Pacific Division battle between two middling teams features the Calgary Flames visiting the Los Angeles Kings in a late-Saturday West Coast matchup. Both clubs are outside the playoff picture (Flames 7th Pacific, Kings 5th Pacific), with Calgary showing slight signs of life post-Olympic break while the Kings are mired in a deep slump and desperately need points to salvage their season.

Team Context

  • Flames: 24-27-6 (54 points), 7th Pacific. Negative goal differential (-27 overall), road struggles (9-17-2 away), middling offense (~2.5 GF/G) but improved goaltending lately.
  • Kings: 23-21-14 (60 points), 5th Pacific. Slightly better points total but poor recent metrics; home record mediocre (8-13-7), allowing high goals against in slumps.

Recent Form

Flames snapped a rough stretch with a strong 4-1 road win over the San Jose Sharks on Feb. 26 (post-break opener; Nazem Kadri scored twice, Connor Zary and Mikael Backlund added goals, Dustin Wolf made 34 saves). They’ve shown better structure and secondary scoring, going 2-0 in their immediate post-break push after earlier February inconsistencies.

Kings are in freefall, dropping their last 5 games including a humiliating 1-8 home loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Feb. 26 (McDavid and Draisaitl dominated; Kings allowed 8 goals on poor defensive effort). Prior to that, losses to Vegas (4-6) and others highlight goaltending and defensive breakdowns. Last 10 games reflect a 1-5 or worse stretch, with offense sputtering.

Injury Report

Flames

  • Jonathan Huberdeau (LW) – Hip, IR/out for season.
  • Jake Bean (D) – Undisclosed, IR/day-to-day.
  • Samuel Honzek (LW) – Upper-body, IR/out (surgery earlier).
  • Blake Coleman (LW) – Upper-body, out indefinitely.
    Dustin Wolf expected to start in net after strong performance vs. Sharks.

Kings

  • Kevin Fiala (RW) – Fractured leg, IR/out for season.
  • Drew Doughty (D) – Lower-body, day-to-day/questionable.
  • Joel Armia (RW) – Upper-body, day-to-day.
  • Kyle Burroughs (D) – Upper-body, IR.
    Goaltending tandem (likely Cam Talbot or David Rittich) under pressure after recent collapses.

Key Player Matchups

  • Goaltending: Dustin Wolf (CGY – 34 saves in last start, strong vs. Pacific foes) vs. Kings’ tandem (high GAA in slump). Edge to Calgary if Wolf stays hot.
  • Top Centers: Nazem Kadri (CGY – 2 goals in last game, veteran leader) vs. Anze Kopitar (LA – playmaking anchor) or Phillip Danault. Kadri’s recent form pivotal.
  • Scoring Wings: Connor Zary/Mikael Backlund (CGY – depth contributors) vs. Quinton Byfield/Adrian Kempe (LA – speed threats). Kings missing Fiala’s finish hurts.
  • Defense: Flames’ mobile group vs. Kings’ Doughty (if playing) and Mikey Anderson. Calgary’s road PK improved; LA vulnerable lately.

Special teams: Flames solid PK (~82%); Kings’ PP middling but struggling to convert during skid.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

Flames have the edge in recent meetings: Calgary 6-1 SU in last 7 vs. Los Angeles (including prior seasons). Specific 2025-26 results show Calgary competitive or winning in matchups.

Betting Trends

  • Total: Recent Flames games lower-scoring with Wolf; Kings allowing high but offense down (under in several slumps).
  • Other Trends: Flames 6-1 SU last 7 vs. LA; Kings 1-5 SU last 6 overall. Calgary strong ATS as road dogs in spots; under trends in February games for both.

This shapes up as a bounce-back spot for the Flames against a reeling Kings team. Calgary’s recent structure and goaltending give them upset potential on the road, while LA needs a response but faces key absences and confidence issues.

Game Odds

Calgary Flames                 5.5

Los Angeles Kings            – 166

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 27, 2026