Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche Prediction and Picks - December 29, 2025
The Los Angeles Kings (16-12-9) travel to Denver this Monday for a daunting matchup against the league-leading Colorado Avalanche (28-2-7) at Ball Arena. Colorado enters as the hottest team in the NHL, riding a seven-game winning streak and a massive 13-game home winning streak. The Kings, while boasting a strong road record (11-4-5), are looking for more consistency after a mixed December and will be without starting goaltender Darcy Kuemper (IR). This contest features a major clash of styles: the Avalanche’s high-octane offense, led by Hart Trophy favorite Nathan MacKinnon, versus a Kings squad that prides itself on defensive structure and a stingy penalty kill.
Be ready for all the NHL action with our free NHL Predictions.
Sign Up for StatSalt News Alerts, Get Free Picks and Discounts
Subscribe Now
Colorado Avalanche: The League's Gold Standard
The Avalanche are currently playing on another planet. Nathan MacKinnon is leading the NHL scoring race with 64 points and just secured a shootout winner against Vegas on Saturday. Supporting him is Martin Necas, who has been a revelation since joining Colorado, tallying 18 goals and 49 points—including a two-goal performance in his last outing. The Avs rank 1st in the NHL in shots per game (34.6) and goals per game (3.97).
Defensively, Colorado has been equally impressive. Goaltenders Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood have both posted goals-against averages near 2.15, backstopped by an elite defensive unit that features a +37 rating from Necas and a massive +47 from MacKinnon. At Ball Arena, the Avalanche have yet to lose in regulation this season (15-0-2), making them the toughest out in professional hockey right now.
Los Angeles Kings: Testing the "Road Warrior" Status
Despite being heavy underdogs, the Kings are one of the few teams with the road pedigree to challenge the Avs. Los Angeles has earned points in 16 of their 20 away games this season. With Kuemper sidelined, the pressure falls on Anton Forsberg, who has been steady (2.60 GAA) but will face a volume of shots unlike anything he’s seen recently. The Kings' offense is led by Adrian Kempe (31 points), but they have struggled to find consistent secondary scoring, ranking 31st in the league in total goals.
To pull off the upset, the Kings must rely on their 3rd-ranked penalty kill (85.4%) and force a low-event game. If this turns into a track meet, the Kings simply don't have the firepower to keep pace with Colorado’s top two lines.
Expert Picks and Predictions
Kings vs Avalanche Pick
- Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (+105)
I am taking the Avalanche on the puck line. Colorado’s home dominance is not just a trend; it's a statistical anomaly at this point. They are outscoring opponents by nearly two goals per game at Ball Arena. Facing a Kings team that is 31st in scoring and starting a backup goaltender is a recipe for a multi-goal win. With Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas both in peak form, I expect Colorado to extend their home winning streak to 14 in a convincing fashion.
Avalanche vs Kings Total Pick
- Under 6.5 (-135)
While Colorado can score at will, the Kings are excellent at clogging up the neutral zone and limiting high-danger chances. Five of the last six meetings between these two teams have stayed under the total, and Los Angeles will likely play an extremely conservative "trap" style to protect Forsberg. Colorado’s goaltending has been so elite (allowing just 2.19 goals per game) that I don't see the Kings scoring more than once or twice. A 4-1 or 4-2 Avalanche victory fits the recent trends perfectly.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet $5 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
