Los Angeles Kings (0-0-0) @ Colorado Avalanche (0-0-0)
8 p.m. MDT | Ball Arena | Watch: TNT, truTV, HBO Max | Listen: Altitude Sports Radio (92.5 FM), Altitude Sports Radio App
The Avalanche begins its 31st season of hockey in Colorado with a Home Opener, presented by KeyBank, against the Los Angeles Kings, its Round One opponent in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This is the first of three regular-season meetings between the teams, as they’ll play in Los Angeles on March 7th and in Denver on April 2nd.
Leading the Way
Nate the Great
Nathan MacKinnon led the NHL in goals (53), while ranking third in points (127) and tied for third in assists (74) in 2025-26.
All Hail Cale
Among NHL defensemen in 2025-26, Cale Makar ranked third in points (79), tied for fourth in assists (59) and sixth in goals (20).
Marty Party
Martin Necas ranked tied for seventh in points (100) in 2025-26.
Series History
In 116 previous regular-season games against the Kings, the Avalanche has a record of 57-47-4-8. The teams have met three times in the playoffs, with Colorado winning each series. The Avalanche won in seven games in both Round Two in 2001 and Round One in 2002, in addition to sweeping the Kings 4-0 in Round One of 2026.
Avs Stats Against Opponent
MacKinnon has posted 41 points (14g/27a) in 36 regular-season games against the Kings, in addition to four points (2g/2a) in four playoff contests.
Makar has registered 26 points (7g/19a) in 20 regular-season contests against Los Angeles, along with two goals in four playoff games.
Necas has recorded 15 points (9g/6a) in 12 regular-season games against the Kings, as well as two assists in four playoff contests.
Los Angeles’ Leaders
Adrian Kempe led the Kings in goals (36), assists (37) and points (73) in 2025-26.
Quinton Byfield ranked second on the Kings in goals (24) and points (49) while ranking tied for fourth in assists (25) in 2025-26
Alex Laferriere finished third on the Kings in goals (21) and points (44) while ranking fifth in assists (23).
A Numbers Game
26
Colorado’s 26 home wins in 2025-26 were tied for the third most in the NHL.
65
MacKinnon's 65 points at home in 2025-26 were the second most in the NHL.
2.54
Colorado’s 2.54 goals against per game at Ball Arena was tied for the fewest in the NHL in 2025-26.
Quote That Left a Mark
“I’m really excited. Excited for a new year. A fresh year. Love the group of guys. I think it’s such an amazing group of guys. It seems like every year, it gets a little better. We bring in really good people. I think our management is great at bringing in good humans and obviously good players. It’s been a great camp. I think it’s been a perfect amount of time to get ready for tomorrow.”
-- Nathan MacKinnon on the excitement for Colorado's season opener
