Game Details
Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT).
Venue: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri (home game for St. Louis Blues).
Broadcast: ESPN+; regionally on Bally Sports West (Kings) and Bally Sports Midwest (Blues); streaming on Fubo.
This Central vs. Pacific Division clash sees the Los Angeles Kings aiming to build on a recent win against a St. Louis Blues team mired in a three-game losing streak. With both squads dealing with injuries to key players, expect a low-scoring, defensive battle where goaltending could decide the outcome. The Blues’ home ice advantage at Enterprise Center (12-9-5 home record) might provide a boost, but the Kings’ road resilience (10-11-3 away) keeps this competitive.
The Kings hold a playoff spot in the Pacific Division, excelling in close games (15 OTLs indicate overtime prowess) but struggling with consistency. The Blues sit at the bottom of the Central, with poor offensive output (last in goals per game) and defensive lapses.
Recent Team Forms
The Kings have alternated results, while the Blues are in a slump. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):
Los Angeles Kings (Form: W-L-W-L-W):
Jan 20 vs. New York Rangers: 4-3 Win (snapped four-game skid; strong third period).
Jan 17 vs. Carolina Hurricanes: 1-3 Loss (limited scoring chances).
Jan 15 vs. Dallas Stars: 4-2 Win (balanced attack).
Jan 10 vs. New Jersey Devils: 2-4 Loss (defensive breakdowns).
Jan 8 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: 3-2 OT Win (clutch overtime goal).
The Kings average 2.8 goals per game recently, allowing 2.6, with solid goaltending carrying them in tight contests.
St. Louis Blues (Form: L-L-W-W-L):
Jan 23 at Dallas Stars: 2-3 Loss (late goal conceded; couldn’t capitalize on chances).
Jan 21 vs. Winnipeg Jets: 1-3 Loss (offensive drought).
Jan 18 vs. Edmonton Oilers: 3-2 Win (defensive stand).
Jan 16 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: 4-3 SO Win (shootout heroics).
Jan 13 vs. Calgary Flames: 2-4 Loss (outshot badly).
The Blues average 2.4 goals per game in this stretch, allowing 3.0, relying on goaltending but lacking finish.
Series History
The Kings and Blues have a storied rivalry, with 244 regular-season meetings. Los Angeles holds the overall edge at 116-106-22, but St. Louis has been strong recently. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Kings lead 116-106-22, with an average combined score of 5.6 goals per game. Recent History: Blues are 4-0-2 in the last six meetings, including points in four straight home games against LA (3-0-1). Most Recent Meeting: November 2025 – Blues 3-2 win (tight defensive battle). Trends: Games often go under the total (average 5.2 goals in last 5); Blues have earned points in six straight vs. Kings. No recent playoff history, but the series features low-scoring, physical play, with the home team winning 55% of recent matchups.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Kings:
Anze Kopitar (C): IR (lower body).
Drew Doughty (D): Questionable (illness; missed Jan 20 but practicing).
Darcy Kuemper (G): Questionable (upper body; left Jan 20 game early).
St. Louis Blues:
Robert Thomas (C): Out (undisclosed).
Oskar Sundqvist (F): Out (ankle; cut above ankle, no Achilles damage).
Four other players on IR (details limited; team has five on injury report).
The Kings’ goaltending depth is tested if Kuemper sits, while the Blues’ forward group lacks scoring punch without Thomas.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries force adjustments, but these battles could decide the game:
Quinton Byfield (Kings, C) vs. Jordan Kyrou (Blues, RW): Byfield’s emerging scoring (projected 25 goals) faces Kyrou’s speed (20+ goals). This wing matchup tests LA’s transition defense.
Adrian Kempe (Kings, RW) vs. Brayden Schenn (Blues, C): Kempe’s shot (18 goals) vs. Schenn’s physicality (15 goals, captain). Center ice control is crucial for possession.
David Rittich (Kings, G) vs. Jordan Binnington (Blues, G): If Kuemper out, Rittich steps in (sub-2.50 GAA recently) vs. Binnington’s consistency (sub-3.00 GAA). Goaltending duel in a low-scorer.
Kevin Fiala (Kings, LW) vs. Pavel Buchnevich (Blues, LW): Fiala’s playmaking (40+ points) vs. Buchnevich’s two-way game (25 points). Secondary scoring could break a tie.
The Kings’ speed edges out, but the Blues’ physicality at home could neutralize.
Betting Trends
Los Angeles Kings: 5-5 ATS in last 10; over hits in 3 of last 5 road games. Strong as favorites (5-3 ATS when -138 or better), but 2-3 SU in last 5 overall.
St. Louis Blues: 3-2 SU and ATS in last 5; under hits in 4 of last 5 home games. 3-2 ATS as underdogs, but struggling SU (3-7 in last 10).
Head-to-Head Trends: Under in 3 of last 5 (average 5.2 goals); Blues 3-2 ATS in last 5 meetings.
League trend: January 2026 Central-Pacific games trend under 55% due to defensive focus.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Kings – 142
St. Louis Blues 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
