Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings 2026 NHL Playoffs Series Preview, Picks, Odds

By Kody Malstrom | Apr 17, 2026, 2:53pm

Since the start of the regular season, the Colorado Avalanche have been in a tier of their own, leading the league in Expected Goals For while supported by a dominant back line. Their high level of play at all three areas of the ice made it easy for them to string together their wins, securing the Presidents’ Trophy in the process.

Even though no Presidents’ Trophy winner has won the Stanley Cup since the Chicago Blackhawks in 2012-2013, the Avs are well equipped to make a deep run in the tournament. Kicking things off against Los Angeles, expect the Avs to make quick work of the Kings, overwhelming their back line with their aggression while suffocating their offense on the other end.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings Series Betting Analysis

With Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge, the Colorado Avalanche have seen their odds to win the Stanley Cup skyrocket since opening night, fielding a front line who leads the league in Expected Goals For in All Situations. Their versatility has played a major role in their success this season, possessing eight players who all average more than 0.25 Expected Goals per game.

On the other end, the Avs back line have been nearly just as dominant, ranking in the top-8 in Expected Goals Against in All SItuations and in 5-on-5 Play. With their back line holding their opponents off the scoreboard, the Avs are able to avoid playing in shootouts, making it easier for them to pull away on the scoreboard.

Their suffocating coverage has also helped MacKenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood play at a high level with both of their goalies sitting in the top-10 in average Goals Against per game. With the Avs able to rotate their goalies throughout the playoffs without suffering any loss of production, they are able to keep their legs fresh which helps brush aside regression.

In a first round matchup against the Los Angeles Kings, expect the Avs back line to thrive by bottling up an offense who ranks near dead last in Expected Goals For. With the Kings lacking the play making that is needed to break away from their coverage, the Avs goaltenders will face minimal resistance in front of the net, increasing their chances of keeping a clean sheet.

Even with the Kings capable of matching Colorado’s output on defense per their current mark in Expected Goals Against, negative regression looms large as the Avs versatility will have their back line stretch out thin, widening the width of their shooting lanes in front of the net. With clear advantages at all three areas of the ice, expect the Avs to sweep the Kings and move on to the second round.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings Series Prediction, Pick & Best Bet

The Avalanche to win the series 4-0 is the series best bet.

Best Bet: COL 4-0 (+400)
Series Prediction: Avalanche 4-0 (+400)

Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings Series Schedule

Sun., Apr. 19 – Los Angeles at Colorado, Game 1 – 3:00 p.m./TNT
Tue., Apr. 21 – Los Angeles at Colorado, Game 2 – 10:00 p.m./ESPN
Thu., Apr. 23 – Colorado at Los Angeles, Game 3 – 10:00 p.m./TNT
Sun., Apr. 26 – Colorado at Los Angeles, Game 4 – 4:30 p.m./TNT
Wed., Apr. 29 – Los Angeles at Colorado, Game 5 if nec. – TBD
Fri., May 1 – Colorado at Los Angeles, Game 6 if nec. – TBD
Sun., May 3 – Los Angeles at Colorado, Game 7 if nec. – TBD

Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings Series Odds

Series Winner

Avalanche (-450)
Kings (+340)

Series Spread

Avalanche +1.5 (-650)
Avalanche -1.5 (-170)
Avalanche +2.5 (-2500)
Avalanche -2.5 (+125)
Kings +1.5 (+140)
Kings -1.5 (+475)
Kings +2.5 (-145)
Kings -2.5 (+1200)

Total Games

4 Games (+370)
5 Games (+225)
6 Games (+235)
7 Games (+275)

Series Score

Avalanche 4-0 (+400)
Avalanche 4-1 (+270)
Avalanche 4-2 (+360)
Avalanche 4-3 (+450)
Kings 4-0 (+3500)
Kings 4-1 (+2000)
Kings 4-2 (+950)
Kings 4-3 (+1000)

Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings Series Betting Resources

Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings Series Players to Watch

Colorado Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon – Season Stats: 53 goals, 74 assists, 57+
Martin Necas – Season Stats: 38 goals, 62 assists, +47
MacKenzie Blackwood – Season Stats: 23-10-2, 2.51 GAA, .904 SV%

Los Angeles Kings

Artemi Panarin – Season Stats: 28 goals, 56 assists, -7
Adrian Kempe – Season Stats: 36 goals, 37 assists, +14
Darcy Kuemper – Season Stats: 19-14-15, 2.78 GAA, .891 SV%

Photo Credit: AP/David Zalubowski

Kody Malstrom

Kody is a professional sports bettor and sports betting journalist with eight years of experience in the industry. He covers a wide range of sports, including NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, MLB, and UFC. What started as a side gig has turned into a full time job, spending a majority of his time staring at odds screens and market movement. When away from the computer, Kody enjoys spending his time outdoors relaxing at the beach or golfing with friends.