Tip: Colorado Avalanche – Too Much Offense for the Kings to Handle

The NHL season is finally here, and the opener brings a real highlight between the Colorado Avalanche and the Los Angeles Kings. The Avalanche look very strong – not least thanks to Gabriel Landeskog’s long-awaited return – while the Kings have lost some power, particularly on the blue line. The question is: can Los Angeles really withstand one of the league’s most explosive offenses?

Colorado Avalanche – Landeskog’s Return Strengthens the Whole

Colorado enters the season with sky-high expectations. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are among the league’s absolute elite, forming a foundation that makes the Avalanche a constant contender at the top. Over the last two years, MacKinnon has played at a level where the gap to Connor McDavid no longer feels that big, while Makar is not only the best defenseman in the league – he’s also a player capable of breaking the 100-point barrier from the blue line.

The most exciting development, however, is Gabriel Landeskog’s return. After three full seasons away from the ice, he made a comeback in last spring’s playoffs and looked further along than many expected. If the Avalanche get their captain healthy for a full season, it’s like making a blockbuster signing. His physicality, two-way play, and leadership are exactly what the team needs to elevate even further.

The offense is also well-balanced. Losing Mikko Rantanen last season was of course a blow, but Martin Nečas has already shown promising chemistry with MacKinnon, and with Lehkonen on the left wing, that first line will be tough for any team to contain. Brock Nelson together with Valeri Nichushkin and Landeskog gives the Avs a top six that belongs among the league’s very best. We also shouldn’t forget Ross Colton and Victor Olofsson, who add interesting upside in secondary scoring – a factor that could prove decisive over the course of a long season.

Los Angeles Kings – Weakened Blue Line Raises Questions

For the Los Angeles Kings, the feeling is quite the opposite. The team has long built its game on structure and hard work, but this year it’s hard to ignore the weakened defense. Vladislav Gavrikov and Jordan Spence have departed – replaced by Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin. On paper, these are downgrades, especially considering that Drew Doughty is getting older and shouldering an increasingly heavy load.

Up front, there are still skilled players. Adrian Kempe is a top-tier goal scorer, Kevin Fiala consistently produces points, and Anze Kopitar remains a world-class player – but this will also be his final season. Quinton Byfield could very well take the next step, but the Kings still lack that offensive superstar who can carry the team in the toughest matchups.

Goaltender Darcy Kuemper can certainly steal games on a good night, but expecting him alone to withstand Colorado’s speed and firepower feels doubtful. With a weakened defensive core, the pressure on the goalie risks becoming overwhelming – and opponents like the Avalanche are ruthless once they gain momentum.

Betting Pick and Conclusion

All things considered, I’m leaning towards Colorado in this opener. I would have preferred to see Mackenzie Blackwood in net, but since he will miss the game, Scott Wedgewood is expected to start. He still maintained a solid level last season and can be described as a reliable mid-tier goaltender. With the Avalanche boasting one of the league’s best forward groups, a defense that can match any opponent, and Landeskog returning with energy and grit, I think the Kings may simply come up a bit short.

That’s why I’m going with Colorado Avalanche ML at -111 at bet365 for the opener!