The Los Angeles Kings face the Colorado Avalanche with both teams looking to build off strong starts to the season. The Kings have a 20-12-6 record and are in second place in the Pacific Division while the Avalanche have a 19-12-2 record and with six wins in their last 10 games have leaped into fourth place in the Central Division. Both teams are looking to improve in their divisions and the Western Conference and the upcoming game looks to be a great one as a result.
The Kings are having a great season with their offense stepping up and scoring 3.21 goals per game. Kevin Fiala and Anze Kopitar have scored 20 goals and 44 assists to lead the top line but the rest of the offense has also stepped up. Viktor Arvidsson, Phillip Danault, and Gabriel Vilardi have combined for 35 goals and 42 assists while defensemen Sean Durzi and Drew Doughty have added six goals and 34 assists from the point to put the offense over the top.
The offense has been great but the defense has let the Kings down this year, allowing 3.39 goals per game. Michael Anderson and Drew Doughty have combined for 4.5 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. In addition, goaltender Jonathan Quick has struggled in the net with a .885 save percentage and a 3.41 goals-against average on 625 shots.