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The Colorado Avalanche swept three head-to-head matchups with the Los Angeles Kings this season, allowing just five goals along the way.
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My Kings vs. Avalanche predictions expect the home team to win in convincing fashion again in the series opener.
Let’s dive into my NHL picks for Sunday, April 19.
Kings vs Avalanche Game 1 prediction
Kings vs Avalanche best bet: Avalanche -1.5 (+105)
The Colorado Avalanche ran over the Los Angeles Kings in the regular season, winning all three meetings by multiple goals while beating them 13-5 in aggregate.
That was par for the course for Los Angeles when facing high-end teams, especially defensively.
Los Angeles lost seven of its last 10 games against Top-10 defensive teams, averaging 1.8 goals and 24.9 shots per game. Generating offense was a massive challenge.
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It won’t get any easier for them against the Avalanche, who went 15-3-1 with a net goal differential of +1.79 per game following 2+ days of rest.
Kings vs Avalanche Game 1 same-game parlay
Artturi Lehkonen has a strong track record of playoff success, piling up 17 points over his last 20 games. He has a great nose for the net and will go to the dirty areas to produce. That’s especially important when the ice is more contested at this time of year.
On the other side, I’m zeroing in on defenseman Brandt Clarke. He has blocked an average of 3.8 shots over his past 10 games and is facing an Avalanche squad that ranked first in shot attempt rate at home this season.
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Kings vs Avalanche SGP
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Artturi Lehkonen Over 0.5 points
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Brandt Clarke Over 2.5 blocked shots
Kings vs Avalanche Game 1 goal scorer pick
Nathan MacKinnon (-125)
Nathan MacKinnon led the NHL in goals, shot attempts, and shots on target during the regular season. He was especially productive when well-rested.
He has scored 10 goals over his last nine games working on two days of rest, and five goals spanning four games after having 3+ days of rest.
MacKinnon also found the net in 64% of Colorado’s home wins, and I expect the Avalanche to win decisively here.
Kings vs Avalanche odds for Game 1
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Moneyline: Los Angeles +190 | Colorado -230
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Puck line: Los Angeles +1.5 (-130) | Colorado -1.5 (+110)
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Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)
Kings vs Avalanche trend
The Avalanche have covered the puck line in five of their last eight games (+4.50 Units / 55% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Kings vs. Avalanche.
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How to watch Kings vs Avalanche Game 1
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Location |
Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
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Date |
Sunday, April 19, 2026 |
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Puck drop |
3:00 p.m. ET |
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TV |
TNT, truTV |
Kings vs Avalanche latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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