March 2, 2026, 1:03 p.m. ET
The Colorado Avalanche (39-10-9) visit the LA Kings (24-21-14) Monday. Puck drop from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Avalanche vs. Kings odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: Avs lead 2-0 with 5-2 and 4-1 wins as -225 and -118 favorites Dec. 29 and Oct. 7 while the Over is 1-1
The Avs took care of the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 Saturday as -334 home favorites. The Under 6.5 cashed in the process. D Cale Makar had 2 goals to give him 17 on the season. C Nathan MacKinnon had 2 assists, and he has done that in 3 straight games.
The Kings shut out the Calgary Flames 2-0 Saturday as the -140 ML and Under 5.5 cashed. RW Adrian Kempe hit an empty-netter for his 22nd goal. The win snapped a 5-game losing streak as the Kings have struggled after losing RW Kevin Fiala (lower body) for the rest of the season during the Olympics.
Watch the NHL on Fubo!Avalanche at Kings odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:52 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Avalanche -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Kings +135 (bet $100 to win $135)Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+145) | Kings +1.5 (-175)Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)Avalanche at Kings projected goalies
Scott Wedgewood (21-4-5, 2.29 GAA, .913 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Darcy Kuemper (14-12-9, 2.68 GAA, .897 SV%, 2 SO)
Wedge stopped 28 of 30 shots the Utah Mammoth fired his way Wednesday in a 4-2 win. His first start of the season was the 4-1 win over LA Oct. 7, stopping 24 of 25. The career backup has really emerged as, if nothing more, an excellent 1B goalie.
The former Stanley Cup-winning Avs goalie was pulled in his last start Thursday. Kuemper allowed 4 goals on 15 shots in an 8-1 defeat to the Edmonton Oilers. He has allowed 4 goals in each of his last 2 starts. He allowed 4 goals on 23 shots in his first start of the season against the Avs in a 4-1 defeat.
Avalanche at Kings picks and predictionsPrediction
Avalanche 4, Kings 2
The Avs are rightfully favored, and -165 isn’t too far out of the ballpark to consider. However, I like the puck line more.
PASS.
Take AVALANCHE -1.5 (+145). The Avs are 7-3-0 in the last 10 meetings with the Kings. The last 6 of those victories have been by multiple goals. LA has scored 2 or fewer goals in 5 of 6 games.
The Avs are 5-5 O/U in their last 10, and the Kings are 4-6. As mentioned, the Kings are having issues putting the puck in the back of the net. The Avs have also scored 2 and 3 goals in the last 2 games. This screams a 4-2 finish, which would push at this total.
Take the ALTERNATE UNDER 6.5 (-145).
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