The Colorado Avalanche are set to face the Los Angeles Kings, looking to extend their series lead to 2-0. Game two follows a 2-1 victory for the Avalanche in game one. The puck is scheduled to drop at 8:22 p.m. MT on ESPN.
Avalanche Seek Powerplay Improvement
Despite securing the win in game one, the Avalanche are looking for improvements, particularly on the powerplay. They were 0-4 on the powerplay in the first game. Converting these opportunities could be key to burying the Kings and establishing a comfortable lead in the series.
The Avalanche are expected to field the same lineup that won game one. Scott Wedgewood is anticipated to start in goal again.
The expected Avalanche lineup is:
- Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
- Parker Kelly – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
- Gabriel Landeskog – Nazem Kadri – Nicolas Roy
- Joel Kiviranta – Jack Drury – Logan O’Connor
- Devon Toews – Cale Makar
- Brent Burns – Josh Manson
- Brett Kulak – Sam Malinski
- Scott Wedgewood
- Mackenzie Blackwood
Kings Aim to Disrupt Avalanche Offense
The Los Angeles Kings are expected to try and keep the game low-scoring. This strategy aims to give themselves a chance to be competitive. The Kings have offensive players, including Panarin, Kopitar, Byfield, and Kempe.
The Kings’ lineup is expected to include:
- Artemi Panarin – Anze Kopitar – Adrian Kempe
- Trevor Moore – Quinton Byfield – Alex Laferriere
- Joel Armia – Scott Laughton – Jared Wright
- Mathieu Joseph – Samuel Helenius – Jeff Malott
- Mikey Anderson – Drew Doughty
- Joel Edmundson – Brandt Clarke
- Brian Dumoulin – Cody Ceci
The Kings thrived throughout the year by playing strong defensively and keeping games low-scoring.
Looking Ahead to Game Two
If the Avalanche can capitalise on the powerplay and take control of game two, the Kings may struggle to keep up. Game one was more low-scoring than some anticipated. The Avalanche will be aiming to take a two-game lead to Los Angeles for game three.