Jan. 16, 2026, 11:01 a.m. ET
The Anaheim Ducks (22-21-3) and LA Kings (19-16-11) meet Friday. Puck drop from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Ducks vs. Kings odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: Tied 1-1
The Ducks ended a 9-game skid Tuesday night with a 3-1 win over the Dallas Stars as +102 home underdogs. Anaheim kept the scoring down, cashing the Under (6.5), after allowing 5 or more goals in 5 straight games. LW Chris Kreider, RW Beckett Sennecke and D Jacob Trouba found the net, while G Lukas Dostal turned aside 24 shots, including several key stops late to secure the victory.
The Kings suffered their fourth loss in 5 games Wednesday, falling 3-2 in overtime to the Vegas Golden Knights as +104 home underdogs with the Under (5.5) cashing. G Darcy Kuemper finished with 24 saves but surrendered the winner 24 seconds into the extra session. LW Kevin Fiala recorded a goal and an assist while adding 2 blocked shots, and D Brandt Clarke also scored and blocked 3 shots in the loss.
Watch the NHL on Fubo!Ducks at Kings odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Ducks +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Kings -140 (bet $140 to win $100)Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Ducks +1.5 (-210) | Kings -1.5 (+170)Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)Ducks at Kings projected goalies
Lukas Dostal (14-12-2, 3.20 GAA, .888 SV%) vs. Darcy Kuemper (12-9-8, 2.50 GAA, .904 SV%, 2 SO)
Dostal picked up his first victory since Dec. 20 with Tuesday’s win. He is 1-3 in 2026, carrying a 3.27 GAA and a .893 SV%.
Kuemper has lost 4 straight starts, surrendering 14 goals during that stretch. Kuemper was beaten by Anaheim in his last outing against it, a 5-4 shootout loss in which he allowed 4 goals on 31 shots. Despite the recent skid, he owns a solid career record against the Ducks at 10-6-1 with a 2.48 GAA and a .912 SV%.
Ducks at Kings picks and predictionsPrediction
Kings 5, Ducks 2
PASS.
I’ll take the Kings (-140) to take care of business Friday night, but I’d rather take them on the puck line at plus odds.
BET KINGS -1.5 (+170).
Neither team has been all that trustworthy, but LA is more reliable, especially defensively. The Kings are one of the better teams in the league at limiting goals, and that matters against an Anaheim group that has struggled badly in its own end all season, particularly on the road.
The Ducks finally snapped a long losing streak last game, but I’m not convinced that fixes much. They’re still just 1-8-1 in their last 10 and have been leaking goals for weeks. One win doesn’t erase those problems, especially heading into a tough divisional matchup away from home.
LA hasn’t been lights-out either, but the effort has been more consistent. The Kings are coming off a frustrating overtime loss and should be motivated to respond. They also crushed Anaheim in the last meeting.
With the defensive edge and a slumping opponent, I like the Kings to win this one with room to spare.
BET OVER 6 (-120).
Recent meetings between these teams have been high scoring, with the Over cashing in each of the last 3. Anaheim continues to drive Over results, allowing more goals than anyone in the league and hitting the Over in 8 of its last 10 games. The Kings don’t always play fast, but their offense has picked up, averaging 3.1 goals per game over the last 10. With the Ducks struggling to defend and both teams trending toward higher totals, this feels like a good spot for goals on both sides.
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