Kings Face Daunting Task Against Presidents Trophy-Winning Avalanche

Los Angeles looks to pull off playoff upset despite long odds against Colorado's dominant regular season

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:48am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a hockey game, with sharp, overlapping shapes in the Kings' and Avalanche's team colors, conveying the intensity and physicality of their playoff matchup.The Kings' physical, defensive style will be put to the test against the high-powered Avalanche offense in their first-round playoff clash.Columbus Today

The Los Angeles Kings know they have a major challenge ahead as they take on the Presidents Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the NHL playoffs. The Avalanche are heavily favored, but the Kings believe they have a path to pull off the upset if they can get strong goaltending, contain Colorado's top scorers, capitalize on their own scoring chances, and excel on special teams.

Why it matters

The Kings have been close to knocking off the Avalanche in recent playoff matchups, but have fallen short. This series represents another opportunity for Los Angeles to prove it can compete with the league's elite, and potentially make a deep postseason run.

The details

The Kings will likely turn to goaltender Anton Forsberg to start the series after his outstanding play down the stretch. Forsberg led the NHL in April in goals saved above average, and the Kings will need him to continue that level of performance to have a chance against Colorado's high-powered offense. Rookie center Quinton Byfield and his linemates will be tasked with trying to slow down Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon, while the Kings' top scorers like Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe will need to capitalize on their limited opportunities. Special teams could also be a key factor, as the Avalanche's power play underperformed during the regular season, presenting a potential opening for the Kings.

  • The Kings and Avalanche will open their first-round playoff series on April 18, 2026.
  • The Kings lost to the Avalanche in the playoffs in 2023 and 2025, but believe they have a chance to pull off the upset this year.

The players

Anton Forsberg

The Kings' starting goaltender, who had an outstanding month of April with a 1.48 goals-against average and .944 save percentage.

Quinton Byfield

The Kings' young center who will be tasked with trying to contain Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon.

Artemi Panarin

The Kings' high-scoring winger who will need to capitalize on his scoring chances against the Avalanche.

Adrian Kempe

The Kings' goal-scoring forward who has elevated his game in the playoffs in recent seasons.

Nathan MacKinnon

The Avalanche's superstar center and the NHL's leading goal-scorer, who will be a major focus for the Kings' defense.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This series represents another opportunity for the Kings to prove they can compete with the league's elite teams, and potentially make a deep playoff run. While the Avalanche are heavily favored, the Kings believe they have a path to pull off the upset if they can get strong goaltending, contain Colorado's top scorers, capitalize on their own scoring chances, and excel on special teams.