The Avalanche have played standout hockey of late, but saw its winning streak come to a halt in brutal fashion on Tuesday. On the other hand, the Pacific-leading Kings were on the winning end of their latest contest on Sunday against the San Jose Sharks – the same team that eventually dealt Colorado its latest defeat.
Which of these two Western Conference contenders will prevail with another ‘W’? Let’s take a closer look at this upcoming showdown at Staples Center. Don’t forget to also check out our preview for another solid Wednesday night matchup in Philadelphia vs. Washington right after this.
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Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings Preview
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles
When: Wednesday, January 27, 10:30 PM ET
Line: Colorado Avalanche (+170) at Los Angeles Kings (-200) – view all NHL lines
Betting on the Colorado Avalanche (26-22-3)
During that stretch, the Avs mainly won their contests with excellent goaltending, with Semyon Varlamov having allowed just one goal in each of those victories. However, the team had to go with backup goalie Calvin Pickard (who was suffering from the flu to boot) against the Sharks, which pretty much explains the six-point explosion by San Jose.
Unfortunately for Colorado, Varlamov’s services won’t be available for Wednesday’s game against the Kings, as the breakout goaltender is taking care of legal issues back in the Rockies. To make matters worse, Colorado will be playing its second road game of a back-to-back.
Can Pickard prevent another blowout loss from happening? Seems like he can, considering that he has a 2-1 record as a starter and a .922 save percentage through seven games played this season.
If the Avalanche’s net-minding woes are still prevalent, their offense better get back on track against Los Angeles, and fast. They are seventh in the league in goals with 2.7 per game, but have only scored three or more goals in two of their past seven contests.
Center Nathan MacKinnon was the only Avs player that found the back of the net on Tuesday, and he could very well earn his 40th point of the season this Wednesday night. But for that to happen, he’ll need more help from the likes of Matt Duchene, who already has 40 points himself and leads the team with 22 goals scored.
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Betting on the Los Angeles Kings (30-15-3)
The Avalanche found the Sharks to be quite an adversary, but they should have learned from Los Angeles Kings, who defeated San Jose a few days earlier in overtime. And with the 3-2 OT win on Sunday, L.A. further extended its lead atop the Pacific Division’s standings to nine points.
However, the Kings almost suffered the same fate as Colorado, needing a game-tying goal with just 12.2 seconds left in regulation to tie the game before Marian Gaborik sealed the win in the extra period. By the way, the equalizing score was courtesy of Vincent Lecavalier, who has found his second wind playing for the Kings.
The 16-year veteran Lecavalier joined Los Angeles earlier this month coming from a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers, and he’s certainly been rejuvenated by the move. He has scored four goals over the last six games, and is hardly looking like the 35-year-old that he is.
Apart from having a revitalized offense, the Kings still boast a formidable defense. They are third in the NHL with just 2.2 goals allowed per contest thanks to former William M. Jennings trophy winner Jonathan Quick, and even his backup in Jhonas Enroth.
The latter of which, Enroth, actually gave up four goals in a loss to the Avs on January 7. However, he is hot off his first win this season as a starter against the Sharks along with a season-high 30 saves. Regardless of who will start Wednesday night’s match, whether it be Enroth or Quick, it looks as if Los Angeles is more than prepared to contain the Avs’ attempt to go on a scoring spree once more.
Writer’s Prediction
The Kings notch their 16th win of the regular season at Staples Center with a sound 4-2 victory of the Avalanche.
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