- Date: October 11, 2023, Time 10:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Crypto.com Arena: Los Angeles, CA
- Matchup: Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings
Early in the NHL season we get an exciting potential playoff matchup. Both the Kings and the Avalanche made it to the playoffs last year, but were not able to hoist Lord Stanley. Both posses so much talent that we could be in for an early season thriller.
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Storylines
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche were unsuccessful at defending their Stanley Cup title last year, but this roster is ready to get back to that position. They still have some of the best forwards in the league at the top of the line in Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, along with two of the best-scoring defensemen in Cale Makar and Devon Toews. What makes them a contender is their two-way ability with Alexandar Georgiev in the net, who allowed 2.53 goals per game last year.
Los Angeles Kings
When it comes to offense, the Kings also possess some firepower. Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe on the top line are incredible and they combined for 69 goals last year. Then, you have Kevin Fiala on the second unit, who finished with 72 points. The defense also brings power due to their physical play and they were second in the NHL in hits per game (24.07).
Prediction
This is going to be a fun Western Conference matchup early in the season. As we mentioned, each one of these lineups has multiple scoring options, and it reflected on these matchups last year. These teams met three times and each game went over the total. The core of these lineups are the same, so expect a high-scoring game.
We Suggest: Over 6.5 Total Goals
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