Game 1 of the NHL Playoffs First Round at Ball Arena on Sunday, April 19 features the Colorado Avalanche and the Los Angeles Kings squaring off at 3 p.m. ET on TNT. Bookmakers give the Avalanche -260 moneyline odds in this matchup with the Kings (+211).

Watch the NHL, other live sports and more on HBO Max. Use our link to sign up today.

Here’s our prediction for who will capture the victory in this NHL Playoffs First Round contest.

Kings vs. Avalanche Predictions for Sunday

Our computer projection model for this contest predicts a final result of Avalanche 4, Kings 2.

Moneyline Pick: Avalanche (-260)
Total Pick: Over 5.5 (computer predicts 6 goals on average)
Spread Pick: Avalanche (-1.5)

Catch NHL action all season long on HBO Max.

Avalanche Splits and Trends

The Avalanche have a 55-16-11 record overall, with a 7-11-18 record in games that have gone to overtime.
In the 19 games Colorado has played that were decided by one goal, it has a 10-4-5 record (good for 25 points).
The seven times this season the Avalanche finished a game with just one goal, they went 3-2-2 (eight points).
Colorado has taken 11 points from the 14 games this season when it scored two goals (4-7-3 record).
The Avalanche have scored at least three goals 60 times, and are 48-6-6 in those games (to register 102 points).
In the 26 games when Colorado has scored a single power-play goal, it has an 18-2-6 record (42 points).
In the 63 games when it outshot its opponent, Colorado is 42-12-9 (93 points).
The Avalanche have been outshot by opponents in 14 games, going 11-3-0 to register 22 points.
Kings Splits and Trends

The Kings have a record of 35-27-20 this season and are 13-20-33 in overtime contests.
Los Angeles has earned 43 points (16-6-11) in its 33 games that finished with a one-goal margin.
Across the 20 games this season the Kings ended with only one goal, they have earned eight points.
Los Angeles has 19 points (7-9-5) when scoring exactly two goals this season.
The Kings have scored at least three goals in 41 games, earning 63 points from those contests.
Los Angeles has scored a lone power-play goal in 32 games this season and has registered 37 points from those matchups.
When outshooting its opponent this season, Los Angeles is 19-18-9 (47 points).
The Kings have been outshot by opponents in 33 games, going 15-8-10 to record 40 points.

Looking for NHL tickets? Head to StubHub today and see your team live.

Team Stats Comparison

Kings vs. Avalanche Game Time and TV Channel

When: Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET
TV Channel: TNT
Live Stream: Watch this match on HBO Max (Regional restrictions may apply)
Where: Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado

Sign up for HBO Max to watch the Avalanche take on Kings.