Kings vs. Avalanche Game 2 predictions: NHL odds, best bets, picks for Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Avalanche’s 2-1 series-opening win over the Kings was still commanding — it just wasn’t the laugher some expected.

The Kings simply don’t have the offense to match Colorado. 

A strong defensive effort matched with key saves by Anton Forsberg and a late power-play strike by Artemi Panarin gave them a fighting chance. For all their discipline, Colorado’s forecheck pressure still forced mistakes, and it generated opportunities, and that will only continue in Game 2 on Tuesday.

Any shot the Kings have in making this a series begins and ends with Forsberg sustaining his play in the cage. 

Kings vs. Avalanche prediction, best bet

Forsberg turned aside 30 of 32 shots in his first playoff appearance; the two pucks that beat him were two of the six high-danger shots he faced. 

In his 11th NHL season, the 33-year-old Swede is playing with a swaggering confidence over the last couple of weeks: over his last nine starts, Forsberg has projected 9.1 goals saved above expected, and he’s strung together a .940 save percentage. 

Avalanche right wing Logan O’Connor (25) scores on Los Angeles Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in the third period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Considering Forsberg’s larger, more grounded sample size of play this year, pundits are expecting the other shoe to drop with regression, but I’m looking to ride the hot hand. Any goaltender will tell you they would rather see more shots than less for rhythm’s sake, and with Colorado’s heavy puck possession, Forsberg is primed to flash more leather. 

Colorado’s power play went 0-for-4 in Game 1, which was only indicative of their 27th-ranked power play in the regular season. The Avalanche still dominated the NHL with the highest goal output thanks to a wicked 5-on-5 offense, finishing with a top-rated expected goals for clip. 

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As long as Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are on the ice, the Avalanche will spend more time attacking than defending. They create chances off the rush, dominate cycle play, and punish turnovers. 

Colorado wants no part of another nail-biter, so expect it to step on the gas and feed Forsberg sufficient shot volume, making 27 saves worth the price. 

THE PLAY: Anton Forsberg Over 26.5 Saves (-128, FanDuel)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.