Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings Pick & Preview - 3/2/2026
Updated July 9, 2026
The Colorado Avalanche (39-10-9) travel to take on the Los Angeles Kings (24-21-14) on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. This Western Conference showdown pits the NHL’s top team against a Kings squad striving to stay in the playoff picture and break a recent string of disappointing results. Colorado brings elite offensive firepower and a stingy defense that leads the league in many key categories, while Los Angeles is adjusting to a new coach and seeks to stop a multi‑game slide in this Avalanche vs Kings matchup.
Pick: Colorado Avalanche to win
Confidence: 4 out of 5
Colorado enters this game off a 3‑1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, where they controlled play and received multi‑goal contributions from defenseman Cale Makar. The Avalanche have won two of their first three games after the Olympic break and remain atop the NHL standings with potent scoring and strong defensive play.
By contrast, the Kings have lost multiple games recently and underwent a coaching change with D.J. Smith taking over, a move aimed at injecting new energy into the lineup after inconsistent results left them fighting for playoff positioning. Los Angeles did notch a win over the Calgary Flames last time out, but losses to stronger Western opponents highlighted underlying issues on both ends of the ice.
Goaltending will be an important factor in this contest. Colorado’s netminders have benefited from structured defensive support, helping the Avalanche maintain one of the lowest goals‑against averages in the league. Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to get the start in this matchup for Colorado.
Los Angeles, meanwhile, has battled to find consistent saves from their crease, which was evident during recent lopsided defeats, including a lopsided loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Anton Forsberg is set to start in net for the Kings here and the Kings’ defense will be tested again against Colorado’s top offensive units, and any shortcomings in net could be magnified.
Colorado boasts elite talent with Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge after posting 97 points on the season, including 40 goals. Martin Nečas also provides significant scoring depth. The Avalanche’s offensive depth and production rank among the league’s best. Los Angeles counters with Artemi Panarin, who has generated strong point totals, and Adrian Kempe, but the Kings’ secondary scoring has been less reliable.
Score Projection: Colorado Avalanche 4 – Los Angeles Kings 2
Win Probability: Colorado Avalanche 65%, Los Angeles Kings 35%
Colorado appears to hold a clear advantage in this matchup with more consistent scoring, more reliable defense, and superior recent play. Los Angeles’ coaching change could spark improvement, but against a top‑tier opponent, it may be a tall order so soon. Expect a competitive first period, but I expect the Avalanche’s depth to yield more opportunities and for Colorado to control as the game progresses.
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