Los Angeles Kings vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Predictions for Tuesday April 21 2026
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The Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche meet for Game 2 of their Western Conference First Round series on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Puck drop is set for 10:00 PM ET, and the game will be carried on ESPN. Colorado enters the night holding a 1-0 series lead, and the betting market has the Avalanche listed at -278 on the moneyline while the Kings come back at +225. The total is set at 5.5 goals, with the over priced at -125 and the under at +105, while Los Angeles is +1.5 on the puck line at -112 and Colorado is -1.5 at -108. Be ready for all the NHL action with our Free NHL picks.
Previous Game Recap
Colorado opened the series with a 2-1 win in Game 1, taking control of the matchup with a steady performance at home. The first period ended scoreless before the Avalanche broke through in the second to take a 1-0 lead. Los Angeles answered in the third to tie the game, but Colorado responded with the deciding goal and held on from there to secure the one-goal victory. It was a tight game throughout, with both teams having to work for every scoring chance.
The Kings did not generate much offense on the scoreboard, but there were still a few notable efforts in the loss. Artemi Panarin scored Los Angeles’ only goal and finished with two shots while logging over 20 minutes of ice time. Alex Laferriere contributed an assist and was active offensively with four shots, and Brandt Clarke also picked up an assist from the back end. Scott Laughton finished with five shots, while Quinton Byfield added three shots and contributed in multiple areas of the game. In goal, Anton Forsberg was strong despite the loss, stopping 30 of 32 shots and posting a .938 save percentage to keep the Kings within striking distance all night.
Colorado got the production it needed from a few key pieces in the opener. Artturi Lehkonen scored one of the Avalanche goals and put two shots on target, while Logan O’Connor added the other goal in a limited but effective outing. Nathan MacKinnon recorded an assist and won 11 of 16 faceoffs, helping Colorado control important moments, and Jack Drury also added an assist while winning five of eight draws. Scott Wedgewood was excellent in net, turning aside 24 of 25 shots for a .960 save percentage and giving the Avalanche the stability they needed in a game where chances were limited. 
Kings Search for More Offense in Game 2
Los Angeles comes into this matchup with a 35-27-20 overall record and a 20-10-11 mark on the road. In their last five games, the Kings recently lost to Colorado in Game 1, recently lost to Calgary, recently lost to Vancouver in overtime, recently won over Seattle, and recently won over Edmonton. That run shows a team that had found a bit of traction before the postseason but has now dropped three straight games heading into this contest.
The Kings averaged 2.68 goals per game during the season while allowing 2.90 goals against. Los Angeles also posted 28.0 shots per game and gave up 27.2 shots per contest. On special teams, the Kings scored 38 power-play goals and converted at a 17.0 percent rate, while allowing 61 power-play goals against and finishing with a 74.6 percent penalty kill. They also recorded seven shorthanded goals and did not allow a shorthanded goal.
One issue that stands out for Los Angeles is the gap between its offensive output and Colorado’s. The Kings averaged just 2.68 goals per game, which is the lower mark in this matchup, and their power-play percentage also sits slightly behind Colorado’s. Their road record has been respectable, so they are capable of competing away from home, but finding enough offense against a team that allowed only 2.40 goals per game will be the central challenge in Game 2.
Avalanche Carry Strong Form Back to Ball Arena
Colorado enters Game 2 with a 55-16-11 overall record and a 26-9-6 mark at home. Over their last five games, the Avalanche recently won over Los Angeles in the series opener, recently won over Seattle, recently won over Calgary, recently won over Edmonton in a shootout, and recently lost to Vegas in overtime. That stretch reflects a team playing consistently well and bringing strong momentum into the second game of the series.
The Avalanche averaged 3.63 goals per game during the regular season while allowing just 2.40. They also generated 33.7 shots per game and gave up only 26.1 shots per contest, giving them a clear edge in shot volume on both sides. Colorado scored 45 power-play goals with a 17.1 percent conversion rate and allowed 36 power-play goals against while posting an 84.6 percent penalty kill. They also added two shorthanded goals and, like Los Angeles, did not allow a shorthanded goal.
A major strength for Colorado is the combination of offensive pressure and defensive control. The Avalanche not only scored more than Los Angeles over the course of the season, but they also allowed fewer goals and fewer shots. That all-around profile gives them a clear statistical edge coming into this matchup. When a team is generating 33.7 shots per game and giving up only 26.1, it usually places itself in a strong position to dictate the rhythm of play.
Los Angeles Kings vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Prediction
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Bruce Marshall | +6,749.00 |
| 2 |  Bryan Power | +5,537.00 |
| 3 |  Tony Karpinski | +4,340.00 |
| 4 |  Pro Sports Picks | +3,905.00 |
| 5 |  The Gold Sheet | +2,237.00 |
Moneyline Pick
- Colorado Avalanche
The best side leans to Colorado on the puck line. The Avalanche took Game 1, they return home with a 26-9-6 record at Ball Arena, and their season-long numbers are stronger across several key areas. Colorado averaged 3.63 goals per game compared to 2.68 for Los Angeles, and the Avalanche also held the edge in goals against and shots per game. The Kings have been solid on the road, but Colorado’s overall profile points toward another controlled performance at home.
Total Pick
- Under 5.5
The total leans to the under 5.5 goals. Game 1 finished with only three total goals, and both teams bring defensive support for a lower-scoring matchup. Los Angeles allowed 2.90 goals per game during the season, while Colorado allowed only 2.40. The Kings have also struggled to score at the same rate as Colorado, averaging 2.68 goals per game. With one team built on defensive structure and the other showing elite overall balance, another tight game fits the numbers provided.
Final Score Prediction: Colorado Avalanche 3 – Los Angeles Kings 1
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