The Avalanche walked away with an important Game 1 victory against the Kings, but they didn’t dictate play like they normally do.

Here are 3 keys to Colorado taking a commanding lead in the series after Game 2:

1. Colorado’s power play was fantastic in March, but it dipped a bit in April as the games mattered less and less. Part of that was the absence of Nazem Kadri, who returned to the lineup in Game 1, but their man advantage showing wasn’t the best, especially when you consider the Kings had the worst penalty kill in the NHL after the Olympic break. One thing to keep an eye on: How much is Kadri shooting? He’s still dealing with a finger injury, one he called “not pretty” before the series. He seemed reluctant to let it rip in Game 1. Kadri shooting can keep the defense honest and take some pressure off the rest of the unit.

2. After Game 1, Kings coach D.J. Smith said he wanted his team to get more physical with the Avalanche defensemen. They were credited with 49 hits on Sunday, so it will be difficult for them to get more physical. But it’s clear they’ll try to get under the skin of Colorado’s top players. It’s important Colorado doesn’t fall into any traps and remains disciplined. The Avalanche think they’re more than capable of dealing with the physicality and dishing it back. “We feel as though we can push back just as hard,” Logan O’Connor said after Game 1.

3. Colorado’s top line created the important first goal for the Avalanche, but they weren’t as dangerous as they typically are. Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas combined for just three shots on goal at 5-on-5, with Necas passing up shots for the extra pass as the game went on. If that line gets going at even strength, the Kings don’t have a trio that can go toe-to-toe with them offensively and it would tip the scales heavily in Colorado’s favor.