Free Picks: Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings

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.

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.

• 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.