DENVER, Colorado -- This Thursday night, the Colorado Avalanche will host the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena in a highly anticipated NHL matchup. With puck drop scheduled for 10 p.m. Eastern, fans are eager to see which team will continue their winning ways as both squads are in playoff contention.
The Kings enter the game riding a remarkable wave of momentum, having won nine of their last ten contests. They recently secured a 3-1 victory over the New York Rangers on March 25, demonstrating their defensive prowess and offensive capabilities. The Avalanche, not to be outdone, have also been on a hot streak, going 8-1-1 in their last ten games, including a solid 5-2 win against the Detroit Red Wings in their previous outing.
As of now, the Avalanche hold a slight edge in the standings, boasting a record of 44-25-3 with 91 points, while the Kings are close behind at 40-21-9, accumulating 89 points. This game could be crucial for both teams as they jockey for playoff positioning.
According to the latest betting odds, the Avalanche are favored at -163 on the moneyline, while the Kings sit at +137. The spread is set at Avalanche -1.5, and the total for the game is 5.5 points. Data Skrive predicts a tight contest, forecasting a final score of Colorado Avalanche 3, Los Angeles Kings 2.
One of the key storylines heading into the game is the Kings' performance on the road. While they have been dominant at home, they have struggled away from the comforts of Crypto.com Arena, posting a road record of 14-18-5. In their last six road games, the Kings have been outscored 24-14. In contrast, the Avalanche have been nearly unbeatable at home, with a record of 24-10-2 and a current ten-game home winning streak.
Another factor to watch is the Kings' ability to generate shots on goal. They have been encouraged to shoot the puck early and often, as the Avalanche have shown vulnerability when outshot by their opponents. The Kings, known for their strong defensive play, have allowed the fewest shots in the NHL this season, totaling just 1,776.
Power play performance will also be pivotal in this matchup. The Kings have seen significant improvement in their power play lately, scoring six goals on their last 22 attempts, which translates to a 27.3% success rate. This is a notable uptick, especially considering the Avalanche's penalty kill percentage of 78.8%. The addition of Andrei Kuzmenko has been instrumental in the Kings' recent power play success, as he has contributed assists on two of those six goals.
Star players will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the game's outcome. Nathan MacKinnon leads the Avalanche and the NHL with 107 points, including 78 assists, and has been a consistent offensive threat. In his last game, he scored his 29th goal and added an assist against the Red Wings. Cale Makar is another key player to watch, contributing significantly to the Avalanche's offensive output.
On the Kings' side, Adrian Kempe has been a standout performer, leading the team with 58 points (29 goals, 29 assists). Veteran center Anze Kopitar continues to showcase his playmaking ability, leading the Kings with 39 assists. The Kings will need all hands on deck to overcome the Avalanche's formidable roster.
As for the matchup history, the Kings have struggled against the Avalanche in recent years, posting a 3-13 record in their last 16 encounters. However, they did manage to secure a 4-2 victory in their first meeting of the season back in November 2024, which could provide some confidence heading into this game.
The game is set to be broadcast live on ESPN, with various streaming options available, including Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Sling. Fans eager to catch the action can also purchase tickets through platforms like StubHub.
With playoff implications on the line and both teams showcasing their best hockey, this matchup promises to be an intense battle. Will the Kings overcome their road struggles and continue their winning streak, or will the Avalanche extend their home dominance? Tune in to find out!
