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NHLPreview
NHL futures odds: Avalanche take on Kings in first round of 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
TL;DR
The Colorado Avalanche face the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, aiming to win the Cup after securing the Presidents' Trophy. The Avalanche, led by Nathan MacKinnon's 53 goals, have a strong roster and improved goaltending this season.
Key points
- Colorado Avalanche face Los Angeles Kings in playoffs
- Avalanche aim to win Stanley Cup after Presidents' Trophy
- Nathan MacKinnon leads NHL with 53 goals
- Avalanche recorded 121 points this season
- Scott Wedgewood led league in goals allowed per game
Colorado AvalancheLos Angeles KingsNathan MacKinnonCale Makar
Imagn Images
The Colorado Avalanche will look to do something that hasn't been done in a decade this postseason -- win the Stanley Cup after winning the Presidents' Trophy. No team has won both in the same year since the 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks, but this Avalanche team certainly seems up to the task. However, they'll have to get through the Los Angeles Kings in the first round to keep those hopes alive.
The Avs recorded 121 points this year, losing in regulation just 16 times in a dominant display. Nathan MacKinnon led the NHL in goals with 53, while Cale Makar added 79 points in another stellar season from the star defenseman. Colorado has a veteran roster that won a Cup just a few seasons ago, and the team has much better goaltending this year than the last few campaigns with Scott Wedgewood having led the league in goals allowed per game at just 2.02.
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The Kings, on the other hand, had 90 points this season -- the fewest among the 16 teams to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year. If they're going to pull off a big upset in the first round, it will be on the back of a strong defensive effort as L.A. allowed the seventh-fewest goals in the league and scored the fourth-fewest. The Kings face an Avalanche team that finished first in both goals scored and goals allowed.
The Kings failed to register a point in three meetings against the Avs this season, getting outscored 13-5 without a win or even an overtime appearance.
There's a big difference on the bench for each team as well, as Colorado's Jared Bednar is one of the longest-tenured coaches in the NHL while the Kings have an interim leader in D.J. James, who took over for Jim Hiller and led the team to an 11-6-6 finish to secure the final playoff spot in the West.
Q&A
What are the Colorado Avalanche's chances of winning the Stanley Cup in 2026?
The Avalanche have a strong chance, having won the Presidents' Trophy and featuring top players like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
Who leads the NHL in goals for the 2026 season?
Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL in goals for the 2026 season with 53 goals.
How many points did the Colorado Avalanche record in the 2026 season?
The Colorado Avalanche recorded 121 points in the 2026 season.
What is the significance of the Avalanche winning the Presidents' Trophy?
Winning the Presidents' Trophy indicates the Avalanche had the best regular-season record, but no team has won both the Cup and the Trophy in the same year since 2013.
