The Chicago Blackhawks (11-9-6) travel to face the Los Angeles Kings (12-7-7) Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena, with puck drop set for 10:00 p.m. ET. We’re looking for revenge after losing to the Kings 3-1 earlier this season, while Connor Bedard continues his spectacular rookie campaign.
Game Information
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Puck Drop: 10:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 p.m. CT
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
TV Coverage: ESPN+
Streaming: NHL.tv, FOX Sports Live
Betting Lines and Odds
Moneyline: Blackhawks +195, Kings -238
Puck Line: Blackhawks +1.5 (-142), Kings -1.5 (+120)
Over/Under: 5.5 goals (Over -120 / Under +100)
Blackhawks Riding Bedard’s Brilliance
We’re 11-9-6 and playing competitive hockey built around Connor Bedard’s breakout rookie season. He’s already put up 17 goals and 20 assists, transforming our offense and giving us a legitimate weapon on the power play and in transition.
Connor Bedard Is Worth the Tank
Our generational talent is exceeding even the massive expectations. His elite puck control and scoring instincts make every shift must-watch television. He’s not just the future – he’s producing right now.
Road Warriors
Our 5-4-3 road record shows we compete away from the United Center. Late West Coast trips are tough, but this young group doesn’t get intimidated by hostile environments.
Close Game Struggles
We’re 3-5-4 in one-goal games, showing we’re competitive but haven’t figured out how to close tight contests. Against a Kings team that’s 8-2-2 in one-goal games, this creates concern.
Kings Excel in Close Games
Los Angeles enters at 12-7-7 with an impressive ability to grind out wins. Their 8-2-2 record in one-goal games speaks to defensive structure and clutch scoring when it matters most.
Kevin Fiala Leads the Attack
The Kings’ top performer has 10 goals and 8 assists, providing consistent offensive production. Quinton Byfield and Alex Laferriere add speed and creativity to the forward group.
Home Ice Struggles
LA is just 3-5-3 at home, which is surprisingly poor. Crypto.com Arena hasn’t provided the advantage you’d expect, creating opportunity for visiting teams like us.
They Beat Us Earlier
The Kings won 3-1 when we played earlier this season. They’ll have confidence from that result, while we’re motivated for revenge.
Why We Can Pull the Upset
The +195 moneyline suggests we’re significant underdogs, but this matchup isn’t as lopsided as the odds indicate. LA’s home struggles and our recent form create upset potential.
Bedard’s Hot Streak
When your generational rookie is playing elite hockey, anything’s possible. Bedard can single-handedly tilt the ice in our favor with his offensive brilliance.
Kings’ Home Record
Their 3-5-3 home record shows vulnerability at Crypto.com Arena. They’re not dominant at home, making this a winnable road game.
Revenge Motivation
That 3-1 loss earlier this season stings. Our young players remember that result and will be motivated to flip the script in LA.
What Concerns Me
Let’s be realistic – the Kings are good, especially in close games where they excel (8-2-2 record).
One-Goal Game Disadvantage
We’re 3-5-4 in one-goal games while they’re 8-2-2. If this comes down to late execution, history favors LA significantly.
Defensive Structure
The Kings’ gap control and shot suppression will test Bedard’s ability to create offense. Drew Doughty and Mikey Anderson will shadow his line and try to neutralize his impact.
Goaltending Questions
Our netminders have been streaky all season. If this tightens late, goaltending could swing the outcome – and their starter has been more consistent than ours.
Key Matchups to Watch
Bedard vs Kings’ Defense
This is the game within the game. Can Bedard create offense against LA’s disciplined defensive structure? Expect Doughty and Anderson to shadow him constantly.
Special Teams Battle
Our power play is middle-of-the-pack, but Bedard makes it dangerous. If the Kings stay out of the penalty box and neutralize our PP, they control the game.
Late-Game Execution
If this is close in the third period, LA’s 8-2-2 record in one-goal games gives them massive advantage. We need to either build a lead or find ways to execute in crunch time.
Blackhawks Fan Perspective
This is a revenge game and measuring stick rolled into one. We lost 3-1 to LA earlier this season, and now we get another crack at them on their home ice.
The +195 moneyline offers value for an upset-minded bet. Yes, the Kings are good in close games. Yes, they’re at home. But they’re just 3-5-3 at Crypto.com Arena, and we have the best rookie in hockey playing at an elite level.
Bedard’s brilliance keeps us competitive every night. Against a Kings team that struggles at home and plays close games, we have legitimate chance to steal two points.
Late puck drop, West Coast trip, playing a team that beat us earlier – everything points toward a tough night. But with Bedard, we’re never out of any game.
Game Prediction
Final Score: Kings 3, Blackhawks 2 (OT)
LA wins a tight one in overtime, improving to 9-2-2 in one-goal games. Bedard scores for us and keeps it competitive throughout, but Kevin Fiala nets the overtime winner for the Kings.
We cover the +1.5 puck line easily despite losing, showing we competed hard against a quality opponent on the road.
What We’re Watching:
- Bedard’s performance against elite defense
- Whether our goaltending holds up in close game
- If we can execute on power play opportunities
- How we handle late-game situations
For Blackhawks fans, this represents progress measurement. Compete with playoff-caliber teams on the road, keep Bedard’s development on track, and prove the rebuild is moving in the right direction.
Let’s Go Hawks!