Avalanche vs. Kings Prediction & Odds: Game 4 NHL Picks Today (April 26)

The Colorado Avalanche have a chance to wrap up the series today when they face the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena (4:30 p.m. ET, TNT). 

I'm backing them to do precisely that in my Avalanche vs. Kings prediction. While I expect the game script to follow the previous contests closely, the Kings will have to take chances late, leaving them open to a multi-goal loss. I've featured Cale Makar as my player prop while also offering a 3-leg SGP.  

🏒 Avalanche vs. Kings picks & odds today: April 26 

See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds.

Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 2.64 units

🏆 Who will win Avalanche vs. Kings?

Despite two of the three being one-goal games and the other a two-goal encounter due to an empty-net goal, the Avalanche have been the better team throughout.

While I expect the Kings to keep it close again, the Avs will have enough to sustain a one or two-goal lead, hammering the final nail thanks to an empty-net goal or two. 

Score prediction: Avalanche 5, Kings 2 

💰 Avalanche vs. Kings prediction & best bet

Avalanche -1.5 (+138)

Through three games, the Avs have the third-most expected goals, while the Kings have the fourth-fewest. Anton Forsberg, who has the fifth-best goals saved above expected (2.2), has been outstanding, but the Kings' offense doesn't pack enough of a punch to support him. 

The Kings had the fourth-worst offense in the regular season, and the Avs had the best. Colorado also allowed the fewest goals per game.

The Avalanche won the expected goals battle 3.68 to 2.61 in Game 3 in Los Angeles, and the Kings had the fourth-worst home points percentage overall and the worst of the playoff teams. 

🔥 Best Avalanche vs. Kings player prop bet

Cale Makar Over 2.5 shots (-140)

Despite having just one point through three games, Makar has been letting it rip from the point. He hit the Over on this prop in each game, accumulating 11 shots thus far. 

Even more impressive is his 27 shot attempts, demonstrating how often he's trying to test Forsberg. He'll continue to do so, with heaps of traffic the best way to beat an in-form Forsberg, especially after his seeing-eye goal in Game 3. 

He also hit the Over in three of four games to cap off the regular season. 

🚀 Avalanche vs. Kings same-game parlay

I've substituted the Under and Avs -1.5 for the more likely moneyline play and Nathan MacKinnon to score 2 or more points. The moneyline play doesn't offer enough value on its own, but it works as part of a 3-leg SGP. 

I'm also confident in MacKinnon, who has been kept quiet up until now. If the Kings are down by a goal or two late, they'll be aggressive in trying to score the equalizer.

That could provide the platform for MacKinnon to register a point on an Avalanche empty-net goal. 

💵 My betting record for NHL picks

All NHL picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 1.

💡 How I'm betting Avalanche vs. Kings

Follow all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.

I'd prefer backing the Avs on the moneyline, but the -166 odds don't offer enough value. While I'm not as confident in Avs -1.5, I feel there's a better chance of Colorado winning by 2 or more given the circumstances. 

If the Avs are up by a goal or two late in the third, D.J. Smith will be excessively aggressive in trying to mount a comeback. That should mean pulling Forsberg early, providing the Avs with the platform to nail the dagger. That's also where the Over comes into play. 

Most confident in Makar firing at least 3 shots on goal, I'm investing 2 units in that prop and half units on the game picks. 

📊 Live Avalanche vs. Kings odds: Game 4 

📈 Avalanche vs. Kings betting trends

🚑 Avalanche vs. Kings injuries

📺 How to watch Avalanche vs. Kings Game 4

• Date: Sunday, April 26
• Puck drop: 4:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles)
• TV: TNT
• Streaming: truTV, HBO MAX