Kings vs Blackhawks Tonight: Live Stream, TV Channel, Odds & Must-See Highlights

Los Angeles Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks: complete preview, how to watch, odds, and key storylines for tonight’s United Center showdown Puck drop & broadcast details • Date: Sunday, Oct 26, 2025 • Time: 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT • Venue: United Center, Chicago, IL • TV/Stream: ESPN+ (exclusive national stream) Why the matchup matters The Kings (3-3-3) are trying to steady a roller-coaster start after a shootout loss in Nashville, while the Blackhawks (4-2-2) look to build on back-to-back victories sparked by Ryan Donato’s two-goal night in Tampa. Both clubs sit in the middle tier of their divisions; two points tonight could be the difference between chasing and holding a playoff spot as early November looms. Projected starting goalies • Kings: Darcy Kuemper (2-2-0, 2.78 GAA, .887 SV%) • Blackhawks: Spencer Knight (3-2-1, 1.97 GAA, .937 SV%) Latest odds (ESPN BET) • Moneyline: Kings -165 / Blackhawks +140 • Puck line: Kings -1.5 (+160) / Hawks +1.5 (-190) • Total: 6.5 (Over +110, Under -130) Chicago has covered the +1.5 spread in seven of eight games this season, while Los Angeles is 1-3 against the puck line on the road. Key storylines to watch 1. Bedard’s supporting cast is producing. Rookie sensation Connor Bedard has cooled (1 G in last five), but Frank Nazar (9 PTS) and Teuvo Teräväinen (7 AST) have driven offense, giving Chicago multiple scoring layers. 2. Kopitar back, but chemistry still forming. Anže Kopitar made his return Friday; coach Todd McLellan is juggling top-six combos to jump-start Adrian Kempe (Pacific-leading 12 PTS) and Kevin Fiala. 3. Special-teams duel. Blackhawks’ penalty kill (83.8 %) ranks 7th league-wide, facing a Kings power play converting at a modest 17.0 %. Whoever wins the whistle battle could tilt a tight matchup. 4. Back-to-back fatigue. L.A. played an overtime-and-shootout thriller less than 24 hours ago, logging heavy minutes for Drew Doughty and Mikey Anderson. Chicago last played Wednesday and should own the fresh-legs edge. Injury report • Kings: Angus Booth (D, out), Kyle Burroughs (D, day-to-day) • Blackhawks: Tyler Bertuzzi (LW, out), Shea Weber (D, LTIR) Fantasy & betting nugget Spencer Knight’s .937 save percentage is fourth-best among starters with 5+ appearances; paired with Chicago’s trend to low-event hockey (2.38 GA/G), the Under has cashed in five of their last six. Consider Knight as a DFS GPP play and the Under 6.5 at ‑130. Prediction Rest advantage plus a red-hot goaltender point to a narrow home win: Blackhawks 3, Kings 2 (OT). Expect a defensive chess match early before Bedard’s line breaks through in crunch time. How to stream if you’ve cut the cord • ESPN+ app on iOS/Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, smart TVs • Spanish-language feed available via ESPN Deportes audio toggle Quick links • Live stats & play-by-play: ESPN Gamecast • Discount tickets (from $39): Vivid Seats Stay tuned post-game for highlights, player quotes, and updated Pacific/Central standings.