Los Angeles Kings (22-13-9) vs. Colorado Avalanche (30-14-3)
Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche 1/26/24 – The NHL regular season is set to showcase an exciting clash as the Los Angeles Kings, with a record of 22-13-9, face off against the Colorado Avalanche, standing strong at 30-14-3. This matchup, scheduled for Friday, is not just another game in the league; it’s a contest between two teams with significant potential and contrasting fortunes. As enthusiasts and bettors look for NHL free selections, this game stands out for its promise of high-caliber hockey and strategic gameplay.
The Kings have shown resilience and skill, particularly in recent games. Now the attention turns to Kevin Fiala and Adrian Kempe’s offensive line; with Fiala providing agility and precision while Kempe excelling at finding the back of the net; their combined talents represent a formidable threat that will hopefully break down Avalanche defense which has proven relatively strong but not impregnable this season.
On the other side, Colorado Avalanche’s offense led by Nathan MacKinnon has been impressive. Rantanen and Makar have also contributed significantly, creating an offense capable of challenging any team. To keep pace with such an impressive attack, the Kings defense must perform at its peak to stop this potency attack from Colorado Avalanche.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche 1/26/24 Game Info
| When: | Friday, January 26, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ball Arena, Colorado |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Cam Talbot vs. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev
Cam Talbot has appeared in 30 games for the Kings this season, accruing a 14-11-5 record along with a 2.44 goals against average and .915 save percentage. He has faced 776 shots and made 749 saves. Talbot has also stopped 7 of 14 shootout attempts for a .500 shootout save percentage. He provides solid, reliable goalkeeping for the Kings which will be key in a matchup against the dangerous Avalanche offense. If Talbot can maintain his current numbers, it will go a long way towards an L.A victory.
Alexandar Georgiev has manned the net in 39 of the Avalanche’s contests, with his record sitting at 25-11-2. He possesses a 2.98 goals against average along with an underwhelming .896 save percentage. Georgiev has seen 1081 shots and turned aside 969 of them during almost 2300 minutes on the ice. He has stopped all six shootout attempts he has faced. There are questions if Georgiev can deliver the type of goaltending Colorado got last year during their Cup run. The Kings will look to exploit any weaknesses in Georgiev’s game, getting traffic in front and firing plenty of rubber his way.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As of now, the betting odds for this game are yet to be determined. However, based on the teams’ performances and standings, it is likely to be a closely contested match. Bettors should keep an eye on the odds as they are announced and consider the recent performances and head-to-head records of both teams.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Trends
The Kings are 4-1 in their last five contests, indicating they are playing well lately. However, they have struggled against the spread, going 1-4 ATS over that same sample. The totals have gone over just once in those games too. For road games, L.A is 12-10 against the spread. The over has hit in 10 of their last 22 away contests.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Trends
Colorado is 3-2 straight up in its last five, but also just 2-3 ATS during that stretch. The over has hit three times in those five games. For home games, the Avalanche are only 9-15 ATS this year. However, the over is 14-9 in Denver.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche 1/26/24 Betting Picks
Given the current form and statistics, this game appears to be a tight contest. The Kings’ recent surge in form, combined with the Avalanche’s consistent performance, sets the stage for an intriguing matchup. However, considering the Avalanche’s potent offense and home advantage, they might have a slight edge.
The better pick in this game seems to be the Colorado Avalanche, especially if the odds favor them with a reasonable spread. Prop bets on individual player performances, like goals or assists for MacKinnon or Fiala, could be interesting. The over/under will depend on the goaltenders’ form on the day, but given both teams’ recent trends, a medium-scoring game seems likely. Top handicapper insights would likely focus on these nuances, balancing between the teams’ offensive strengths and defensive capabilities.
Free Pick and Prediction: Colorado Avalanche 3, Los Angeles Kings 2