Chicago Blackhawks vs Los Angeles Kings: Corsi metrics highlight away edge — our tips

Two Western Conference sides looking to shake off tough stretches square off at United Center when the Chicago Blackhawks host the Los Angeles Kings on Wed, 28 Oct, 11:00 am AEDT. The numbers say both clubs are eager to get back in the win column, making this mid-week showdown a cracking fixture to dissect. If you are hunting for sharp nhl tips, this matchup offers plenty of statistical angles to sink your teeth into.

Chicago comes into this contest sitting 29th on the ladder with a 3-6-0 record through nine games, collecting 6 points overall. Los Angeles sits just ahead in 28th position with a 2-4-2 record and 6 points from eight outings. With both squads battling defensive consistency early in the season, finding an edge comes down to shot control and scoring efficiency.

Who Will Win? Blackhawks vs Kings Breakdown

The number that jumps off the page right away is shot possession control. Los Angeles holds a 50.3% Corsi rating compared to Chicago's 42.9%. That shot differential translates directly into underlying defensive metrics, where the Kings boast an expected goals against figure of 16.4 compared to Chicago's 23. The Blackhawks are giving up 4 goals per game across the season, while the Kings allow 3.63 goals per game.

Looking at recent results, Chicago's last start was a narrow 2-3 loss against the Florida Panthers at home on Mon, 26 Oct. That result handed the Blackhawks three straight defeats after previous home losses to the Montreal Canadiens (1-4) and Dallas Stars (0-4). Across their last five overall games—all played at home—the Blackhawks averaged 2.4 goals for and 3.4 goals against per game, with their two victories coming against the Winnipeg Jets (4-3) and Pittsburgh Penguins (5-3). Anton Frondell leads their scoring list with 1 goal and 5 assists, alongside Teuvo Teräväinen and Tyler Bertuzzi who have 5 points each (2 goals, 3 assists), but defensive leaks have hurt them.

Los Angeles also comes off a loss in their most recent start, falling 1-3 away to the New Jersey Devils on Sun, 25 Oct. However, prior to that stumble, the Kings bagged back-to-back road wins over the New York Islanders (3-2) and Washington Capitals (5-2). Across their last five overall games, the Kings averaged 2.2 goals for and 3 goals against per game. Artemi Panarin has been in blazing form upfront with 6 goals and 3 assists, well supported by Adrian Kempe (3G, 4A) and Alex Laferriere (2G, 5A). Furthermore, LA's power play sits at 16% compared to Chicago's 12.5%.

The head-to-head market sets Los Angeles as the favourite on the board, while Chicago represents the home side. Given LA's superior shot control, lower expected goals against, and recent road wins in Washington and New York, backing the Kings rates a real chance to deliver in Chicago.