Los Angeles Kings vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction, Odds and Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 2 Picks for Today, 04/21/26

The Los Angeles Kings put up a good fight in Game 1, slicing the lead of the Colorado Avalanche in half late in the third period with an extra attacker, as Artemi Panarin notched a power-play goal with helpers to Alex Laferriere and Brandt Clarke. However, the Kings were unable to get any closer than 2-1. It was a tremendous effort by the Kings, and many felt if they had a chance to steal a game, it would be in the series opener. The Avalanche are gigantic favorites in Game 2, and it’s likely that the offense comes alive for the home side, and Tuesday’s game isn’t nearly as close.

Colorado won the Presidents’ Trophy with 121 points, and it was 26-9-6 at Ball Arena in Denver. It is looking to snap the “curse” of the Presidents’ Trophy, as teams with the best record in the NHL during the regular season haven’t won the Stanley Cup since the Chicago Blackhawks had the most regular-season points while winning the Cup in 2013. Scott Wedgewood earned his first NHL playoff win against the Kings, and he is expected to be back in there for Game 2. Look for more offense from the Avs. It’s safe to lay the goal and a half, as Colorado looks to put L.A. into an 0-2 hole before the series shifts to SoCal.

Kings vs Avalanche Game 2 prediction: Avalanche -1.5 (-105) available at time of publishing. Playable to -110.