The Kings very well could be 3-0. Instead they have begun the season 0-3 for their worst start in four years. One of their losses occurred against the Wild when Minnesota scored with one second left to force overtime after the Kings had hit the post on an empty net shot. I had the Kings in that game at a plus price. It's my toughest beat of the season. 
Colorado dealt LA it's latest defeat, 3-2, two days ago. Taken aback by the Avalanche's speed after not playing for 10 months and then opening with two games against the Wild, the Kings fell behind Colorado, 3-0. LA rallied in the third period for two goals, but fell a goal short. 
The Kings had blown a pair of 3-1 leads against the Wild. This all has to be very demoralizing for the Kings. They are outclassed by the Avalanche, who won't be letting down this time around. 
Colorado is too fast for Los Angeles. The Kings can't compensate by illegal means because they already have been exposed being whistled for 18 penalties. They have the highest average of minor penalties in the league at 5.33. 
The Avalanche are the wrong team to give the man advantage to. Their deadly power play unit spearheaded by superstar Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog has produced eight power play goals in 17 tries.  
The oddsmaker recognizes all this. That's why the Avalanche are installed as huge road chalk. So I'm recommending laying 1 1/2 goals on the puck line. Even if the Kings manage to hang around - which I doubt - their luck has been so bad they probably would give up an empty net goal. 

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover is going for his fifth straight winning NHL season. He's 30-18-1 on his last 49 NHL premium plays for 63 percent and has three hockey plays today in addition to this free selection, including his Game of the Week. Stephen has yet to lose an NHL Game of the Week play this season. All of Stephen's plays come with his unique, top-notch analysis.)