The Stanley Cup favorite Colorado Avalanche (55-16-11) get their playoff journey started against the Los Angeles Kings (35-27-20). The Avs aren’t just favored to win the Cup, but they’re heavily favored to win this series with -530 odds, an implied chance of winning of 84%.

Do the Kings have a chance to pull a massive upset in this series? Spoiler, no, I don’t think so.

Kings vs Avalanche Series PriceKings vs. Avalanche Series OddsTeamCurrent Series PriceOpeningLos Angeles Kings+390+390Colorado Avalanche-530-530

Odds as of April 17th, 2026 at FanDuel

Any relief the Kings had in not facing the Oilers in the opening round was short-lived as they now have to face the powerhouse Avalanche. With +390 odds, FanDuel is effectively giving the LA Kings a 20% chance to win.

It’s hard to see an avenue for the Kings here. Not only do they have a worse record than the Avs, but the Avalanche have dominated the Kings this year with a 3-0 record and outscoring them 13-5. Ouch.

Kings vs Avalanche Series Prediction 

Colorado Avalanche Win Series 4-1 (+250 at FanDuel)

The odds are terrible for a straight-up Colorado series win, so I’ve gone for a more specific bet. This series could be over in a sweep, but I don’t want to completely disrespect the Kings. I’ve taken the Avs to win this series in a five-game gentleman’s sweep.

Look, we already know that Colorado has mopped the floor with the Kings, going 3-0 this season. But other advantages play in the Avs’ favor, such as that whole home ice advantage thing. Colorado has gone 26-9-6 at home this season and has won eight of their last 10 home games against the Kings. 

And somehow, Colorado is better on the road, where they hold a 71% win percentage. For all of LA’s qualities, they are dreadful on home ice, winning only 15 of 41 games (37%). They also lost eight of their last 10 home games against Colorado.

LA is walking into an out-of-control wagon and will likely get run over. 

Kings vs Avalanche Head-To-Head Betting HistoryDateResultATS ResultsTotal ResultMarch 2, 20264-2 Avalanche (-182)Avalanche Cover6.0 PUSHDecember 29, 20255-2 Avalanche (-225)Avalanche Cover6.0 OVEROctober 7, 20254-1 Avalanche (-115)Avalanche Cover6.0 UNDER

The best course of action in this series is to bet on Colorado on the moneyline. Even if the Avs are -200 favorites in every single game and the series goes to Game 7, you’ll be up three full units. 

I understand there are perhaps more lucrative avenues to wager, such as betting on the puckline. Not only did Colorado win all three games this season, but they also covered the puck line in each of those games. Betting the Avs straight up in all three games would have netted you $189.35 in profits on $100 bets, but betting that same $100 on the puck line would have returned $470. Food for thought as you bet on this series.

Key Players To Watch In Kings vs Avalanche Playoff Series

I’ve broken down how I think this series will go, but a series is more than just wins and losses. Players are performing in each of those games and putting up points to get those wins and losses, so let’s focus on those players who might have a starring role in this matchup.

Avalanche Player To Watch: Nathan MacKinnon

This is a no-brainer. Mack is not only a 130-point player this season, but he’s been insanely productive against the Kings this year as well. Mack has two points in each of his three games against LA this year. He’s an easy pick to go OVER on points in this series.

You might also want to consider him for a shot prop as well. Nate has 12 shots in three games against the Kings, for an average of four per game. He’s also a shooting beast in the playoffs with 4.7 shots per game in his 95 career playoff games. 

Kings Player To Watch: Adrian Kempe

LA’s offense runs through Kempe. He leads the team in goals (36), assists (37), and shots (226). The Swedish forward has been on a bit of a heater to close out the season as well, netting at least a point in eight of his last 11 games (73%).

The Kings will score a few goals in this series; of that, there is no doubt, and there’s no doubt that Adrian Kempe will be a factor in each of them.

Avalanche Player To Watch: Martin Necas

All of LA’s defensive focus will be on shutting down Nathan MacKinnon, leaving ample room for Colorado’s other 100-point player to operate. Over the last 10 games of the season, Martin Necas has outscored his more talked-about teammate, scoring 11 points to the Mack’s 10 (only one more point is still outscoring him).

And Necas has made a career of pummeling the Kings. In 12 career games, Necas has 15 points. He’s got at least one point in each of the three games he’s played against LA this season. Consider Necas when building a parlay; you’ll likely find lower lines and better odds than backing MacKinnon.

Kings vs Avalanche Series Schedule

The NHL has released the schedule series; we’ve got dates for every game, but we are missing start times for Game 5 through Game 7. All times are in Eastern Standard Time.

GameDateTimeArenaGame 1Sunday, April 193:00 PMBall ArenaGame 2Tuesday, April 2110:00 PMBall ArenaGame 3Thursday, April 2310:00 PMCrypto.com ArenaGame 4Sunday, April 264:30 PMCrypto.com ArenaGame 5*Wednesday, April 29TBDBall ArenaGame 6*Friday, May 1TBDCrypto.com ArenaGame 7*Sunday, May 3TBDBall Arena

*If necessary