The Colorado Avalanche embark on a quest to end the 12-year Presidents’ Trophy-winning curse when they face the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs.
The Avalanche were dominant throughout the regular season, with the most wins in regulation (50), five more than the second-place Buffalo Sabres.
Their success starkly contrasts the Kings, whose 22 wins in regulation were tied for the second fewest, not among playoff teams, but overall.
Will the lopsided tale of the tape make it an easy first-round victory for the Stanley Cup odds favourites?
Kings vs. Avalanche Odds, Spread, Over/Under
Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche Prediction: NHL Playoff Preview
The Avalanche endured their worst blip of the season before the Olympic break, with a 6-7-2 record from Jan. 4 to Feb. 5.
They quickly recovered after the restart, with the fifth-best points percentage (.708) since Feb. 28.
Unsurprisingly, the Avs dominated statistically, boasting the most goals per game (2.43), the best penalty kill (84.5%), the best goal differential (+99), and the second-best goals against above expected (-33.3).
Colorado scored the most goals per game despite finishing with -1.88 goals for above expected in all situations. That means they scored fewer goals than their chances indicated.
Imagine the damage they could do if they become more efficient in front of the goal in the playoffs.
My concerns for their Stanley Cup ambitions include: two inexperienced goaltenders, a poor power play, and the fact that they weren’t pushed in the regular season.
Those possible deficiencies don’t worry me against the Kings, though.
While the Kings did an admirable job making the playoffs despite a record-low 22 regulation wins since the NHL playoff format changed, they’re outmatched and outgunned across the board.
They don’t possess the offensive weapons to keep up, scoring the fourth-fewest goals per game (2.68).
I’m taking the Avalanche in five games.
Kings vs. Avalanche Season Series
The Avs won all three games against the Kings, outscoring them 13-5.
Kings and Avalanche Season Stats
| Team | Goals For | Goals Against | Power Play % | Penalty Kill % | 1-Goal Game Record | Home Record | Away Record |
| Kings | 2.68 | 2.9 | 17.4 | 74.6 | 21-6-20 | 15-17-9 | 20-10-11 |
| Avalanche | 3.65 | 2.43 | 17 | 84.5 | 14-4-11 | 25-9-6 | 29-7-5 |
Kings vs. Avalanche: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not
In 42 starts, Avalanche goalie Scott Wedgewood had the best goals-against average (2.07). While it hasn’t been confirmed, he should be named the Game 1 starter over Mackenzie Blackwood.
For the Kings, Anton Forsberg enjoyed a better run than Darcy Kuemper to cap the season off. He won five of his last six games, allowing more than two goals once. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get the Game 1 start.
Martin Necas scored the fourth-most points since the Olympic break, notching 38 in 26 games. That’s four more than teammate and Hart Trophy odds contender Nathan MacKinnon.
Elsewhere on the ice for Colorado, Adrian Kempe is playing his best hockey heading into the playoffs, scoring 10 goals in his last 10 games.
Kings vs. Avalanche Best Bets
I have the Avalanche to win in five games. The BetMGM online sportsbook has those hockey odds at +210.
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