Kings vs. Avalanche Prediction & Odds: Game 2 NHL Picks Today (April 21)

The Los Angeles Kings, who were much better on the road in the regular season, will try square the series against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena tonight (10 p.m. ET, ESPN).  

But I'm backing Colorado to win a relatively low-scoring game in my Kings vs. Avalanche prediction. Under 6 goals is my best bet, but I'm also featuring a Cale Makar player prop. The Avalanche are the substantial -295 moneyline betting favorite, which is way too steep for a playoff game of any kind, especially with how well Los Angeles played in the opener. 

🏒 Kings vs. Avalanche picks & odds today: April 21

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

Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: 2 units

🏆 Who will win Kings vs. Avalanche?

The Avalanche are the better team in every facet, and I can't see them losing. It's either going to be 3-2 or 4-2 for the home team, and I'm going with the latter because of the talent they'll have on the ice when the Kings pull Forsberg in search of the equalizer. 

They didn't score an empty-net goal in Game 1, but that changes in the second game, with D.J. Smith likely getting more aggressive in pulling Forsberg.

Score prediction: Avalanche 4, Kings 2 (+1800)

💰 Kings vs. Avalanche prediction & best bet

Under 6 (-125)

Smith has put his faith in Anton Forsberg, and the 33-year-old netminder has been excellent since getting more action. He allowed more than two goals in one of the previous seven games, including the 2-1 defeat in Game 1. 

The Kings understand acutely that they need to keep things tight defensively to have any chance against the Avalanche. Colorado, meanwhile, allowed the fewest goals against overall (2.4) and per 60 minutes 5-on-5 (1.91). It's one of the reasons I backed them in my Stanley Cup predictions.  

Just behind them were the Kings, conceding 2.03 goals per 60 minutes 5-on-5. 

🔥 Best Kings vs. Avalanche player prop bet

Cale Makar Over 2.5 shots (-140)

Makar had four shots on goal in the opener and fired at least three shots in six of the previous eight playoff games. The Avalanche will pepper Forsberg as much, if not more, than they did in Game 1, when they accumulated 32 shots. 

Makar will be keen to test him through traffic from the point. With the potential for another low-scoring game, I'm most confident in Makar's ability to get rubber on goal. 

He's also on a three-game Over streak against the Kings.

🚀 Kings vs. Avalanche same-game parlay

I invested 0.5 units on this parlay because I've chosen a more probable play (24.21%). I like the Avalanche to secure a second straight home win in a relatively low-scoring game. Forsberg has been at his best for weeks, and I don't see that changing.  

Makar hit the Over on his shots prop at a 75% rate in the previous 8 playoff games. 

💵 My betting record for NHL picks

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

💡 How I'm betting Kings vs. Avalanche

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

The odds for most player props are outrageously short for this game, which is curious given that Game 1 had only three goals. That's why I'm focusing on Makar's shots total. Most of the prices for the other appealing props are way too steep. 

Regarding the Under, I picked 6 goals to get a slight buffer, allowing for the distinct possibility of an Avalanche empty-net goal. At least this way I'll get a Push if the Avs make good on the empty-net goal while cashing in on the exact score (4-2). 

The Kings have only lost one game in the previous 10 by more than one goal, which came because of a Calgary Flames empty-net goal in a meaningless game. That's why I'm not placing more than 0.5 units on the Avalanche -1.5. 

📊 Live Kings vs. Avalanche odds: Game 2

📈 Kings vs. Avalanche betting trends

🚑 Kings vs. Avalanche injuries

📺 How to watch Kings vs. Avalanche Game 2 

• Date: Tuesday, April 21
• Puck drop: 10 p.m. ET
• Location: Ball Arena (Denver)
• TV: ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN+