The underdog Los Angeles Kings look to shock the hockey world and end their first-round playoff curse with a win over the Colorado Avalanche. Eddie Garcia and Chris Micieli preview this high-stakes NHL playoff showdown, breaking down whether the Avalanche’s Presidents’ Trophy momentum or the Kings’ resilience in tight games will prove decisive. Key insights include slowing down Avs stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, Martin Nečas’ need to deliver, and the goaltending question marks for both squads with Scott Wedgewood and Anton Forsberg set to start. Discussion covers strengths and concerns around special teams, the impact of recent trades like Artemi Panarin and Nazem Kadri, and the pressure on coaches D.J. Smith and Jared Bednar to deliver results. Can the Kings’ late-season surge overcome Colorado’s star power? Don’t miss this Western Conference playoff matchup.  00:00 Series Preview & Storylines Opening discussion of Kings vs. Avalanche matchup, both teams' playoff storylines, and keys to the series. 14:09 Key Players & X-Factors Deep dive into goaltending matchups, player spotlights, X-factors for both teams, and unsung heroes to watch. 25:06 Special Teams & Predictions Analysis of power play and penalty kill, coaching situations, final thoughts, and series predictions. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: lockedonlakings.supercast.com   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttp://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.