The Dallas Stars (26-10-9) and Los Angeles Kings (19-15-10) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 10:00 p.m. EST at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Stars are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6 (-105o/-115u). The Stars are a -120 favorite to win outright, while the Kings are +100 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Stars vs. Kings predictions and NHL picks.
Stars vs. Kings Odds, Pick
| Stars Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +210 | 6 -105o / -115u | -120 |
| Kings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -260 | 6 -105o / -115u | +100 |
Stars vs. Kings Spread: Stars -1.5 (+210), Kings +1.5 (-260)
Stars vs. Kings Over/Under: 6 (-105o/-115u)
Stars vs. Kings Moneyline: Stars -120, Kings +100
Stars vs. Kings Preview
The Dallas Stars face the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night looking to build on the success they’ve already had against this opponent. Dallas has recorded points in both previous meetings, earning a 4–1 win on Dec. 15 and a 3–2 overtime loss back on Oct. 23. Even during a rough stretch overall, the matchup has treated the Stars well.
Matt Duchene has been a consistent problem for Los Angeles, entering this game on a three-game point streak against the Kings with six points in that span. He posted a goal and an assist in the most recent meeting and now ranks third among active Stars skaters in career points versus Los Angeles.
Jason Robertson has also thrived in this matchup, recording 17 points in 13 career games against the Kings with a plus-seven rating. His 1.31 points per game against Los Angeles is among the best marks in the league for active players with at least 10 games played against the Kings.
Dallas does come in struggling, having won just once in its last eight games. The most recent setback was a 5–4 overtime loss to the Sharks, a game in which the Stars let a two-goal lead slip away. Despite the poor results, their offensive production hasn’t completely dried up, and this opponent has historically brought out some of their best hockey.
Los Angeles snapped a short skid with a 4–3 shootout win over Edmonton on Saturday. Adrian Kempe scored the decisive goal in the shootout, while the Kings leaned heavily on the emotional boost of beating a division rival that has eliminated them from the playoffs four straight years.
Stars vs. Kings Prediction
This spot lines up well with Evan Abrams’ “Back Down To Earth” system. The Kings are coming off an emotional division win as an underdog, a type of game that often demands maximum intensity and focus.
Moving from that environment into a non-division matchup frequently leads to a natural letdown, especially against a disciplined opponent like Dallas.
Teams in Los Angeles’ position tend to be overvalued by the market after a high-effort win, while their execution and energy regress toward their true level in the following game.
Dallas, despite its recent struggles, benefits from the calmer pace and reduced urgency typical of non-division matchups. The Stars have already shown they can handle this opponent and have multiple top forwards who consistently produce against the Kings.
Best Bet: Stars Moneyline (-120)
