The Kings will host the Avalanche on Sunday in a win-or-go-home Game 4 of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, with first puck drop set for 4:30 p.m. ET. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Colorado is a -170 road favorite on the Moneyline, and the game’s total is set at O/U 5.5 goals.
Below, I’ll provide a Kings vs. Avalanche Game 4 prediction and pick.
Kings vs. Avalanche Game 4 prediction, preview
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche haven’t necessarily looked like the Avalanche this series, but they’ve still done enough to win and have a chance to complete the sweep tonight in Game 4. While the club is 0-for-9 on the power play, it remains elite when playing 5v5, ranking first in 5v5 Goals%, fifth in 5v5 Corsi% and second in 5v5 xGoals per 60 this postseason. Colorado has done all of this without virtually any production from its top dogs, such as Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Martin Necas, who have a combined three points (1G, 2A) this series. Scott Wedgewood has been elite through his first three playoff starts with a 1.28 GAA and .947 SV%. He has allowed just one goal at even strength, and he ranks third among postseason goaltenders in goals saved above expected.
Los Angeles Kings
One could tell quickly that this Kings team barely squeaked into the postseason and had the same number of overtime losses as regulation wins during the regular season. While the defense and special teams have looked good, the offense has been virtually nonexistent, and that’s not going to win games in the playoffs, especially against the Avalanche. Los Angeles has scored just four goals this series, with three of them coming on the power play. The club has scored the fewest 5v5 goals of any playoff team, and it also ranks dead last in 5v5 xGoals per 60, despite generating one fewer 5v5 high-danger chance than Colorado. Anton Forsberg sports a 2.28 GAA and .922 SV%, but the team in front of them has failed to support him offensively.
Kings vs. Avalanche Game 4 pick, best bet
Best Bet: COL Avalanche 60 Min Line (+100)
The Avalanche have won eight of their last 10 road games against Pacific Division opponents and have had full control of this series. -170 on the Moneyline is a bit rich for me, so let’s pivot to Colorado winning in regulation at plus odds instead.
Strong Lean: Nathan MacKinnon Anytime Goalscorer (+110)
I cannot see MacKinnon finishing this series without a goal. He thrived in a road playoff environment last postseason and found the back of the net in two of three regular-season meetings against the Kings.
