Despite the betting trends being on the complete opposite ends of the scale for this matchup, we do like the fact it’s the last game of the season and one team has zero to play for while the other needs to win to get a higher seed in the post-season.

For a full slate of today’s NHL best bets, head over to:

• Kraken vs. Wild NHL Best Bet: Karil Kaprizov Gone Wild
• Sharks vs Flames NHL Best Bet: Sharks Will Burn in Calgary

NHL Pick

• Over 1.5 1P Goals (-115) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Los Angeles Kings

Thursday, April 18, 2024 – 10:30 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena 

Betting Trends

• When playing on the road this season, the Chicago Blackhawks are 25-15 to the over 1.5 first-period total line, the 5th highest in the NHL.
• When playing at home this season, the L.A. Kings are 16-23 to the over 1.5 first-period total line, the worst in the NHL.

Golden Odds in California

The stats are crazy low for the Kings to see goals come early on home ice this season, but we believe that could all go out the window tonight. The odds at -115 for over 1.5 first-period goals is like finding a piece of gold. Despite opposing the trends here, we would happily bet this down to -135.

The Kings are facing not just any opposition tonight, but in fact the second-worst team in the entire NHL this season. They struggle defensively having allowed 3.5 goals per game this season. Hence the reason they have seen so many games start with early goals as they can’t keep the puck out of the net.

The Pick

It’s the last game of the season, the Blackhawks are likely in holiday mode and could very well be switched off here, while the Kings will no doubt be looking to start quick, take a strong 2/3 goals or more lead and take it easy for the second part of the game as they look towards the playoffs.

We are expecting a 2-0 first-period win for the Kings here, but either way, we don’t mind which team scores once we see two goals in the first period in this NHL matchup.

NHL Pick: Over 1.5 1P Goals (-115) at Bet365

*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.

*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler