The Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche are looking to complete a first-round series sweep against the Los Angeles Kings in Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:50 p.m. MT and will be broadcast nationally on TNT.Please consider donating to the Colorado Hockey Now Playoff Travel Fund to help our beat writer provide coverage from road games: PAYPAL or VENMOKey Stories to WatchThe Avalanche have only trailed for 3:21 in this series, all of which came in the third period of Game 2 before a late game-tying goal from Gabe Landeskog.
Colorado has outscored Los Angeles 8-4 in the series, with the Kings scoring three times on the power play. The Avs’ power play has struggled, going 0-for-9 so far. Theyll look to rebound in that category today.If the Avs complete the sweep, they’ll join the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round as the only two teams to do so.
Colorado and Carolina were the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences this season. They are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the NHL.Josh Manson is unlikely to play after sustaining an upper-body injury on Thursday. Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed that the team is prepared to use Nick Blankenburg if Manson is unable to go.
Bednar said Manson is still sore. He did not skate during Saturday’s practice.We are likely to see the same two goalies go head-to-head for the fourth consecutive game. That means it’ll be Scott Wedgewood for Colorado and Anton Forsberg for the Los Angeles Kings. Projected Avalanche Lines (subject to change)Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin NecasRoss Colton — Brock Nelson — Valeri NichushkinGabriel Landeskog — Nazem Kadri — Nicolas RoyParker Kelly — Jack Drury — Logan O’ConnorDevon Toews — Cale MakarBrett Kulak — Sam MalinskiNick Blankenburg — Brent BurnsScott WedgewoodMackenzie BlackwoodProjected Kings Lines (subject to change)Artemi Panarin — Anze Kopitar — Adrian KempeTrevor Moore — Quinton Byfield — Alex LaferriereJoel Armia —Scott Laughton — Andrei KuzmenkoJared Wright — Samuel Helenius — Jeff MalottMikey Anderson— Drew DoughtyJoel Edmundson — Brandt ClarkeBrian Dumoulin — Cody CeciAnton ForsbergDarcy KuemperProjected Starters (subject to change)Expected: Scott Wedgewood (COL)Expected: Anton Forsberg (LAK)Avalanche InjuriesJosh Manson (upper body, day to day)Kings InjuriesKevin Fiala (lower leg, out for season)How to WatchTV: TNT, Altitude Sports (locally)Radio: 92.5 FMPlayoff Series Head-to-HeadGame 1 vs Los Angeles Kings (W, 2-1 — COL leads series 1-0)Game 2: vs Los Angeles Kings (W, 2-1 OT — COL leads series 2-0)Game 3: at Los Angeles Kings W, 4-2) — COL leads series 3-0)Game 4: at Los Angeles Kings (April 26 at 2:30 pm MT)Game 5: vs Los Angeles Kings (April 29 if necessary)Game 6: at Los Angeles Kings (May 1 if necessary)Game 7: vs Los Angeles Kings (May 3 if necessary)Regular Season Head-to-HeadOct. 7 at Los Angeles Kings (W, 4-1)Dec. 29 vs Los Angeles Kings (W, 5-2)March 2 at Los Angeles Kings (W, 4-2)