Free Pick: Avalanche vs. Kings Odds
Looking for Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings free NHL predictions? NHL betting sees the Avalanche taking on the Kings on 4/23 at Crypto.com Arena, in Los Angeles. This free NHL pick is based on matchup analysis and documented handicapping data tracked by CappersPicks since 2004, with a focus on identifying the strongest betting angle for this Avalanche Kings matchup.
2026 NHL Handicapping – Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings
(2-0) Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings (0-2)
Date: Apr 23, 2026
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Venue: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA
NHL Moneyline Odds: Avalanche -160 | Kings +137 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NHL Puck Line Betting Odds: Avalanche -1.5 | Kings +1.5
NHL Hockey Gambling Total: O/U: 5.5
Here’s why I’m backing a Colorado PL bet below in my Avalanche Kings free pick & gambling prediction for this matchup.
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Avalanche vs. Kings Gameday
As the Colorado Avalanche head to Los Angeles for Game 3, they carry a 2-0 lead in this first-round playoff series. The game will be played at Crypto.com Arena, with coverage on TNT. Colorado, led by head coach Jared Bednar, looks to keep that early control intact. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Game 3 is usually where a series either tightens or starts slipping away.
Colorado enters this matchup with a 55-27-0 regular-season record, finishing first in both the Western Conference and the Central Division. They’ve carried that level into the playoffs with two straight wins. In the last game, they edged out a 2-1 victory.
Los Angeles, under interim head coach D.J. Smith, is trying to respond at home. The Kings finished the regular season at 35-47-0. They’ve dropped both games in this series and need a turnaround.
So far, the Avalanche have held a narrow scoring edge. They’ve outscored the Kings by an average of one goal per game in the postseason. The margins have been tight throughout.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings Odds & Last 5
The betting line for Game 3 favors Colorado. The Avalanche are listed at -160 on the moneyline, while the Kings come back at +137. That reflects the early series results.
On the puck line, Colorado is -1.5 at +160. The Kings look to stay within reach. The spread still suggests a competitive matchup.
The total is set at 5.5 goals. That number points toward a lower-scoring game. Both teams have played tight contests so far.
Colorado has won both postseason games by identical 2-1 scores. Their defense has limited Los Angeles to one goal in each outing. That consistency has stood out.
Scott Wedgewood has played a major role in those wins. He has made key saves to keep the Avalanche ahead. His play has been steady.
Los Angeles has struggled to generate offense. Artemi Panarin scored the only goals in both games. That production hasn’t been enough.
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Kings Stats
Los Angeles finished the regular season with 220 goals, ranking 25th in the league. Their assist total of 362 ranked 27th. The offense has been limited.
Defensively, they allowed 224 goals, ranking 8th. That side of the puck has held up better. It has kept games close.
Artemi Panarin led the team with 84 points, including 28 goals and 56 assists. Adrian Kempe added 36 goals and 37 assists. Those two have carried much of the offense.
In this series, the Kings have lost both games by 2-1 scores. Panarin scored in each game. He has been their only source of offense.
Anton Forsberg has faced heavy pressure in goal. He has made 64 saves across the two games. His workload has been significant.
The Kings have produced just 2 goals and 4 assists in the postseason so far. They’ve taken 50 shots on goal. Defensively, they’ve added 48 blocks.
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Avalanche Stats
Colorado has been one of the top offensive teams this season. They lead the league in goals, assists, and shots on goal. The attack has been consistent.
Nathan MacKinnon led the team with 53 goals and 74 assists. His production drives the offense. He has been a key factor.
Defensively, Colorado has also been strong. They rank first in goals against. That balance has carried into the postseason.
In this series, Scott Wedgewood has allowed only two goals across two games. His performance has been a difference. He has controlled the crease.
Gabriel Landeskog and Nicolas Roy have each contributed goals in the series. That support has helped create separation. Depth scoring has mattered.
MacKinnon finished the regular season with 127 points. Martin Necas added 100 points. Cale Makar recorded 118 blocks.
Wedgewood recorded 31 wins in the regular season. Mackenzie Blackwood added 23 wins. The goaltending group has been steady.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings bottom line: Colorado holds control, but tight scoring margins keep this series within reach.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings Hockey Betting Trends
- The Kings have lost their last two postseason games by a single goal.
- Los Angeles has scored exactly 1 goal in each of their last two playoff games.
- The Kings have recorded 25 shots on goal in both recent playoff games.
- Also, the Avalanche have won their last two postseason games by a one-goal margin.
- In the last two playoff games, Colorado has not scored a power play goal.
- The Avalanche have allowed only 1 goal in each of their last two postseason games.
Avalanche Kings Free Pick: Avalanche PL -1.5
Here is my Avalanche Kings free pick: I’m backing Colorado on the puckline because they’ve taken control of this series.
The Avalanche hold a 2-0 series lead and have looked sharp in both games. They’ve been in command.
Los Angeles has struggled to generate offense, scoring just one goal in each playoff game. That’s a problem.
Colorado has matched that with strong defensive play, keeping things tight. They’re not giving much away.
When one team controls both scoring and defense, margins tend to follow.
In general, the Avalanche have been the more complete team throughout this matchup. It shows in the results.
Plus, they have the scoring depth to stretch a game if it opens up. That’s the difference.
The Kings are hanging around, but not finishing. That gap keeps showing.
Avalanche -1.5 is the play here. Looks like another multi-goal result.
Today’s NHL Free Pick
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NHL Betting Tweet Of The Day
Before you go to sleep, make sure your 📲 is ready to go for tomorrow 👀@BigBearMtResort | #WallpaperWednesday pic.twitter.com/JKfA4YF2bP
— LA Kings (@LAKings) April 23, 2026
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