When Martin Necas, forward for Colorado Avalanche erupted for two goals, the Colorado Avalanche turned a tentative start into a 4‑1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The matchup, held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marked the official opening of the 2025‑26 NHL regular season, and both clubs entered with a pristine 0‑0‑0 record. Artturi Lehkonen, the 29‑year‑old Finnish left winger, added a third goal—assisted by captain Nathan MacKinnon and defenseman Cale Makar—while goaltender Scott Wedgewood turned away 29 of 30 shots for a .967 save percentage. Across the rink, Kings netminder Darcy Kuemper let in four goals on 34 attempts, underscoring a night of contrasting fortunes that will shape each franchise’s 82‑game journey.
Historical Context: A Rivalry That’s Grown with the Game
The Avalanche‑Kings rivalry stretches back to their first meeting on October 6, 1995. With the latest win, Colorado nudged its all‑time regular‑season edge to 78‑69‑13, while the Kings’ home record against Denver slipped to 44‑34. Both clubs have experienced swings in fortune over the past decade—Colorado capturing two Stanley Cups (2022, 2024) and Los Angeles anchoring the West with multiple playoff runs. The opening game set the stage for what analysts anticipate will be a tightly contested Western Conference race.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown: How the Avalanche Took Control
The first period was a defensive chess match. The Kings managed only seven shots, and the Avalanche’s forecheck stifled any sustained pressure. The breakthrough came early in the second period when defenseman Sam Malinski capitalized on a mishandled clearing attempt, slipping in an unassisted goal at the 7‑minute mark to make it 2‑0.
Necas answered back two minutes later, firing a quick‑release wrist shot from the left circle that beat Kuemper high on the glove side. Just before the midway point, Lehkonen’s slap shot, set up by a crisp feed from MacKinnon and a pinpoint pass from Makar, doubled the lead. The Kings finally got on the board late in the third, power‑play talent Andrei Kuzmenko slotted a rebound, but Avalanche forward Brock Nelson sealed the win with an empty‑net tap‑in.
Key Performers and the Numbers Behind Them
Necas finished with two goals and a +2 rating, confirming his breakout potential after a solid preseason (4‑1‑0). Lehkonen’s goal, plus a gritty forecheck, earned him a +1 and highlighted his chemistry with MacKinnon. MacKinnon, ever the catalyst, logged a goal‑assist and 18 minutes of ice time, while Makar’s defensive pairing with Devon Toews limited Kings’ high‑danger chances.
On the net, Wedgewood’s 29 saves underscored his readiness despite being the backup to the week‑to‑week starter Mackenzie Blackwood, who missed the opener with a lower‑body issue. Kuemper’s .882 save percentage was a stark contrast, and post‑game analysis pointed to a slightly mis‑positioned pad on the second goal.
Injuries and Lineup Tweaks: Who Was Missing?
Colorado entered without starter Blackwood, and coach Jared Bednar chose to start Wedgewood, a decision that paid off. The Avs also scratched Jack Ahcan (defense) and Zakhar Bardakov (forward) for strategic depth.
Los Angeles was shorthanded without veteran winger Corey Perry (knee) and defenseman Kyle Burroughs (upper‑body). The Kings also left Jacob Møller (defense) out of the lineup, though rookie center Alex Laferriere made his return after a preseason ankle tweak.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
For Colorado, the win provides early momentum and a confidence boost heading into a road trip against the Anaheim Ducks on October 9. The Avalanche’s depth—spanning seasoned veterans like Gabriel Landeskog to emerging talents such as Sam Malinski—suggests they can weather the inevitable grind of an 82‑game schedule.
The Kings, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Their defensive lapses against a high‑pressing Avalanche indicate a need for tighter zone coverage, especially with Kuemper under pressure. The next home game against the Vegas Golden Knights on October 11 will be a litmus test for whether the Kings can bounce back.
Expert Take: Analysts Weigh In
Hockey commentator Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com noted, “Colorado’s ability to generate quality chances early on shows why they’re a two‑time champion. The Kings need to tighten their breakout if they hope to stay competitive in a fast‑paced West.”
Former player‑turned‑analyst Patrice Bergeron added, “The Avalanche’s forecheck is relentless. If they keep pressuring the neutral zone, even a healthy Kings squad will struggle to sustain possession.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Avalanche’s win affect their playoff odds?
Starting the season 1‑0‑0 positions Colorado favorably in the Western Conference standings. While a single win isn’t decisive, it gives them early points and momentum, which historically correlates with higher playoff qualification rates for teams that maintain a winning record after the first ten games.
What injuries could impact the Kings in their upcoming games?
Corey Perry’s knee injury sidelines a veteran scorer, and Kyle Burroughs’ upper‑body issue removes a defensive depth player. If either returns soon, the Kings’ right‑wing depth improves, but the immediate concern is bolstering defensive pairings to prevent another high‑scoring night.
Who were the standout performers for Colorado?
Martin Necas (2 goals) and Sam Malinski (unassisted goal) topped the score sheet, while goaltender Scott Wedgewood’s 29 saves earned him a strong start to his season. Nathan MacKinnon’s playmaking, especially the assist on Lehkonen’s goal, also underscored his continued leadership.
When is the next time the Avalanche and Kings will meet?
The two clubs are slated to face each other again on November 22, 2025, at Ball Arena in Denver. That matchup will offer a chance for the Kings to avenge the opening‑night loss.
What does the Avalanche’s forecheck strategy look like?
Colorado employs an aggressive 2‑1‑2 system, pressuring the neutral zone with forwards like Necas and Lehkonen. This approach forces turnovers, as seen when Malinski capitalized on a botched clear, and creates high‑danger scoring chances early in each period.