Free Picks: Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings

Patrick Trudeau
By: Patrick Trudeau
05/08/2021
NHL Free Picks – Best Bets of the Week
Kings vs Avalanche NHL week 17
Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche, NHL, Staples Center

Colorado is destined for the playoffs. One key reason has been their discipline on defense. For the bottom feeder Kings, their one bright spot this season has been their ability to stand tall in their own end. Friday night, when these teams collide, I take a look at the total goals between two disciplined squads.

Does defense trump all?

The obvious bet for this game would be to take the Colorado Avalanche straight up. If you want to take that, go ahead. It makes sense. But I am not in love with the value. 

In fact, I think there is one wager that provides better value that I am more interested in Total Goals. This season, Colorado vs. Los Angeles has been low-scoring and I think that trend continues Friday night.  

In 4 games between the Kings and Avalanche this season, the average goals per game have been 4.5. Even with Colorado’s high-octane offense, the Avalanche haven’t been able to muster up much against the Kings this season. 

I think this is the perfect opportunity to see a low-scoring game. Colorado and LA are both solid on defense, which is a good start. The Avs are ranked 4th in the NHL in goals against, while the Kings are ranked 14th. 

What will be the difference-maker in this game and the biggest impact for this BetPicks prediction will be Los Angeles’ offense.  

This season, the Kings have struggled to score all year round. Owning one of the worst offenses in the NHL, LA has not seen much goal support. 

 I think LA can keep Colorado to 3 or 4 goals. But with the over/under at 5.5, that is getting dicey. I am betting on the Kings’ offensive woes continuing Friday night. 

This free NHL pick all rely on LA’s lack of scoring ability. I think Colorado has what it takes to be defensive against LA. But with how many goals I am expecting the Avalanche to produce, we need to bank on the Kings having a bad game on offense. 

Let’s roll with the under. Both teams are above average on defense and the Kings struggle on offense.

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FREE PICKS: Total Goals UNDER 5.5
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Stats

  • The under has cashed in 7 of last 10 meetings between Kings/Avalanche. 
  • The under has hit in 7 straight games for Colorado on a Friday. 
  • The total has gone under in 6 of LA’s last 7 games at home. 
  • Los Angeles ranks 4th in Penalty Kill percentage. 

have always wanted to be a writer and sports are my favorite thing in the world, so I combined the two to make a career. I have been a long-time gambler and sports betting writer that isn't afraid to look at the underdog or specials. I am covering the NHL, MLB and NCAA Football for BetPicks.ca and am a huge fan of both sports - as well as many others. Follow me on Twitter (@Patrick_Trudeau) so we can talk betting, sports, or why ketchup DOES belong on Poutine.

NHL Eastern Metropolitan

 

TeamWLOT%
1Carolina54208.707
2NY Rangers52246.671
3Pittsburgh462511.628
4Washington442612.610
5NY Islanders373510.512
6Columbus37387.494
7New Jersey27469.384
8Philadelphia254611.372

 

NHL Eastern Atlantic

TeamWLOT%
1Florida58186.744
2Toronto54217.701
3Tampa Bay51238.671
4Boston51265.652
5Buffalo323911.457
6Detroit324010.451
7Ottawa33427.445
8Montréal224911.335

 

NHL - Western Central

TeamWLOT%
1Colorado56197.726
2Minnesota53227.689
3St Louis492211.665
4Dallas46306.598
5Nashville45307.591
6Winnipeg393211.543
7Chicago284212.415
8Arizona25507.348

 

NHL - Western Pacific

TeamWLOT%
1Calgary502111.677
2Edmonton49276.634
3Los Angeles442711.604
4Vegas43318.573
5Vancouver403012.561
6San Jose323713.470
7Anaheim313714.463
8Seattle27496.366

 

2021-22 Season
Regular season beginsOctober 12
All-Star & Winter Games breakFebruary 3-22
Trade deadlineMarch 21
Final day of regular seasonApril 29
Stanley Cup Playoffs beginMay 2
Last possible day for PlayoffsJune 30
2022 NHL DraftJuly 7