The Kings vs Avalanche season opener delivered an offensive showcase as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the LA Kings 8-4 at Ball Arena on Wednesday. Colorado’s attack produced eight goals, while Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen each scored twice.
The result gave the Avalanche a strong start to the 2026-27 NHL season, although the high-scoring game also exposed some defensive issues that Colorado will want to address.
Nathan MacKinnon Leads Avalanche Attack
Nathan MacKinnon was one of the biggest stars of the avs game, scoring two goals in the second period. His first came just 23 seconds into the frame on a 5-on-3 power play, when he one-timed a cross-slot pass from Nazem Kadri.
MacKinnon added his second goal at 8:33 of the second period after Martin Necas found him inside the left circle. He finished the night with two goals as Colorado repeatedly punished the Kings’ mistakes.
Lehkonen also scored twice, including a power-play goal late in the second period and another with the man advantage in the third.
Colorado Avalanche Take Control Early
Brock Nelson opened the scoring at 6:33 of the first period with a power-play goal. Parker Kelly then restored Colorado’s lead after Brian Dumoulin had tied the game for the LA Kings.
The Avalanche entered the second period with a 2-1 advantage and quickly extended it through MacKinnon’s power-play goal.
Colorado eventually built a 6-3 lead by the end of the second period. Nicolas Roy and Lehkonen also scored during the frame, while the Kings received short-handed goals from Joel Armia and Trevor Moore.
The third period saw both teams continue to trade chances. Artemi Panarin brought the Kings within two at 6-4, but Gabriel Landeskog and Lehkonen scored afterward to seal the 8-4 result.
LA Kings Show Offensive Positives
Despite the defeat, the LA Kings managed four goals in their first game under new coach Peter Laviolette.
Joel Armia and Trevor Moore each scored short-handed goals, while Brian Dumoulin and Artemi Panarin also found the net. Alex Laferriere contributed two assists.
The Kings’ offense generated opportunities throughout the contest, but penalties and defensive breakdowns proved costly against an Avalanche team capable of converting on special teams.
Avalanche Power Play Makes the Difference
Special teams played a major role in the outcome. Colorado repeatedly capitalized on power-play opportunities, while the Kings also produced two short-handed goals.
The Avalanche scored several times with the man advantage, with Nelson, MacKinnon and Lehkonen all contributing power-play goals.
Colorado coach Jared Bednar praised the execution of the team’s power-play units while acknowledging that the defensive coverage needed improvement.
Cale Makar Reaches NHL Opening-Night Milestone
Cale Makar also made history during the Kings vs Avalanche matchup. The Colorado defenseman recorded two assists, extending his streak to five consecutive season openers with multiple points.
Makar helped create offense throughout the game, while Devon Toews and Jaden Schwartz also recorded two assists each.
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 27 saves for Colorado. Darcy Kuemper stopped 21 shots for the Kings.
What Comes Next for the Avalanche and Kings?
The opening-night result gives the Colorado Avalanche plenty of offensive momentum, with MacKinnon, Lehkonen and Nelson immediately making an impact.
At the same time, Colorado will need to clean up its defensive coverage after allowing four goals, including two short-handed markers.
For the LA Kings, the four-goal performance provides an encouraging offensive takeaway, but avoiding penalties and limiting defensive breakdowns will be important moving forward.
The avs started their season with eight goals, setting a franchise record for goals in a season opener. The Kings will look to respond after a high-scoring first game under Laviolette.
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