When Martin Necas, center of the Colorado Avalanche, struck twice on Tuesday, the crowd at Ball Arena erupted – and the 4‑1 result set the tone for the NHL’s 108th season.
The game, part of the 2025‑26 NHL regular‑season openerBall Arena, Denver, pitted the Pacific Division rivals Colorado Avalanche against the Los Angeles Kings. In front of an energetic home crowd, the Avalanche jumped to a 4‑0 lead before the Kings rallied for a lone goal.
Season Opener Overview
The Avalanche’s 4‑1 victory gave them an instant 1‑0 record, while the Kings slipped to 0‑1. The first period saw Colorado dominate possession, outshooting the Kings 12‑4 and establishing a physical edge that would linger throughout the night.
Scott Wedgewood, the Avalanche’s backup goaltender, earned his first NHL start of the season. Scott Wedgewood turned aside 31 of 34 shots, including a highlight‑reel glove save on Alex Turcotte that broadcasters called “what a save by Wedgewood on Turcotte.”
Key Performers for Colorado
Necas’s first goal came early, a quick‑release wrist snap from the left circle that curled past Kings net‑minder Jonathan Quick. Ten minutes later he doubled his tally on the power‑play, slipping the puck to the far side of the net – a move the commentator described as “short‑side then far‑side magic.”
Defensive stalwart Cale Makar and veteran center Nathan MacKinnon each logged two assists, threading passes that set up the Avalanche’s three‑goal burst.
Coach Jared Bednar kept the pressure relentless. He rotated lines to keep fresh legs on the ice, a strategy that paid off when the second‑hour power‑play opened up a one‑timer for Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon that capped the four‑goal rally.
Kings' Effort and Missed Opportunities
Los Angeles’ lone goal arrived at the 15:06 mark of the second period. Kevin Fiala slipped a low‑drive past Wedgewood after picks from Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar set him up. The Kings responded with a flurry of attempts – Kempe’s wrist shot at 16:54, Kopitar’s miss at 16:40, and Andrei Kuzmenko’s high‑danger chance at 16:33 – but none found the back of the net.
A series of penalties hampered the Kings’ rhythm. Defenseman Josh Manson received a 2‑minute cross‑check for a hit on Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog, while MacKinnon was penalized for interference at 13:18, giving Colorado another power‑play opportunity.
Coaching Strategies and Penalties
Both benches used the video review lobby heavily. Denver’s staff emphasized quick transitions, encouraging forwards to break out from the neutral zone and force the Kings into odd‑man rushes. In contrast, Los Angeles tried to tighten up at the blue line, but miscommunication led to a costly off‑side call at 15:20 and an icing at 17:10.
Bednar’s decision to give Wedgewood the start paid off; the Canadian net‑minder (born in Vancouver) posted a .912 save percentage in his first NHL start, a figure that will likely keep him in the rotation. On the other side, Kings’ coach Todd McLellan faced criticism for leaving Manson in after the cross‑check, a move that yielded another Avalanche goal seconds later.
Implications for the Pacific Division Race
Colorado’s early surge puts them atop the Pacific Division after just one game. If the Avalanche sustain this blend of offense and stout goaltending, they could challenge the division’s traditional heavy‑hit teams – the Vancouver Canucks and the Seattle Kraken – early on.
For the Kings, the loss highlights a need to tighten special‑teams play. Their power‑play succeeded only once (the goal by Fiala), while their penalty kill surrendered a goal and allowed the Avalanche to stalk the puck for prolonged stretches.
Statistically, the Avalanche posted a 58 % Corsi in the opening period, indicating they controlled the majority of shot attempts. If that trend continues, they’ll likely post one of the league’s highest possession metrics by season’s end.
Historical Context and What’s Next
The Avalanche entered the 2025‑26 campaign as the defending Western Conference champions. Historically, teams that win the first three games of a season have a 73 % chance of making the playoffs. While it’s early, the opening win adds momentum to a roster that’s been bolstered by recent trades for depth forwards.
Los Angeles, by contrast, is still searching for identity after a coaching shuffle last summer. Their three‑game stretch against Colorado – one home, two away – will be a litmus test for whether the Kings can adjust their defensive systems.
Both clubs will be back on the ice next week. The Avalanche travel to San Jose for a March‑style showdown against the Sharks, while the Kings host the Edmonton Oilers, a clash that could further expose defensive frailties.
Key Takeaways
- Martin Necas scored two goals, including a power‑play tally that sealed the win.
- Scott Wedgewood posted a 31‑save performance in his first NHL start.
- Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon combined for four assists.
- Los Angeles’ only goal came from Kevin Fiala, assisted by Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar.
- Penalties to Josh Manson and Nathan MacKinnon shifted momentum in Colorado’s favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Avalanche’s playoff outlook?
Starting the season 1‑0 gives Colorado a points cushion and confidence. Historically, teams that win their first three games have a 73 % chance of securing a playoff spot, so the Avalanche are on a promising trajectory.
What were the most critical moments that swung the game?
Necas’s power‑play goal at the 20‑minute mark extended the lead to 4‑0 and forced the Kings into a defensive shell. Wedgewood’s glove save on Turcotte later that period preserved the shutout momentum.
Who stood out for the Kings despite the loss?
Kevin Fiala delivered the only goal and showed poise under pressure. Adrian Kempe’s relentless forechecking and Anze Kopitar’s veteran playmaking kept the Kings competitive in the middle periods.
Will Scott Wedgewood keep the starting job?
His 31‑save performance and .912 save percentage make a strong case. Coach Bednar praised his composure, suggesting he’ll see more ice time, at least as a reliable backup.
What’s next for the Kings in the Pacific Division race?
Los Angeles next faces the Edmonton Oilers at home. A win could restore confidence and keep them within striking distance of the division leaders.
