Kings vs Avs: Panarin's Impact, Goalie Dilemma

0:00On April 19th, the Colorado Avalanche kickoff the Western Conference first round against the Los Angeles Kings with Game 1, Sunday at Ball Arena. The abs are gunning for their second Stanley Cup since 2021-22, while the Kings aim to crash the party after a regular season, shake up. Kings grab forward Artemi Panorin from the New York Rangers on February 4th, and he's lit it up with 27 points, 9 goals, and 18 assists in just 26 games. And that move, plus interim coach DJ. Smith taking over an early march has their top line of Panorin, Anzacopitar, and Adrian Kempi clicking hard. They've ramped up offensively since the 20-26 winter Olympic break. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar says, the Kings look way more dangerous now, especially on attack. Meanwhile, Kingscoach Smith knows they're facing the president's trophy winners with a lead-best 3.63 goals per game average. He stresses shutting down Colorado's momentum, ensured bursts, and getting stand-out shifts from his squad.

1:03Nazim Kadri and Josh Manson practice Saturday and say they're ready after missing time. Kadri was 9 points in 16 games since joining from Calgary. Goldie calls her up in the air too, as flipping between Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood. Kings leading Darcy Quimper, but Anton Forsberg hot. Lately at 5 wins, 1 loss, 1.48 goals against. Teams of 1-0 in best of 7 series win about 68% historically, so game 1 sets the tone. Watch how the Kings grind out Colorado's speed up top could make this round a real battle. From your team, powered by AI, this is NHL News Today. I'm Corey with the story.