When Martin Necas, the Czech forward for the Colorado Avalanche, scored twice on Oct. 7, 2025, the Denver crowd felt a surge of early‑season optimism.
The Avalanche rolled over the Los Angeles Kings 4‑1 in the 2025‑26 NHL season openerBall Arena. The game, played in front of a vocal crowd at Denver, Colorado, gave Colorado a confidence boost and left Los Angeles scrambling for answers.
Season‑Opener Overview
From the opening faceoff, the Avalanche set a relentless tempo. Defenseman Cale Makar and captain Nathan MacKinnon combined for two assists each, threading passes that shredded the Kings' blue line. A lone goal from the Kings came at 15:06 of the second period when Swedish winger Kevin Fiala slipped a wrist shot past Avalanche net‑minder Sam Wedgewood, assisted by fellow Swedes Adrian Kempe and Slovenian center Anže Kopitar.
The final score reflected a dominant 36‑shot effort from Colorado, with Wedgewood turning aside 34 of them – a 94.4 % save percentage that kept the Kings at bay. Los Angeles managed 28 attempts, but only one found the back of the net.
Necas' Two‑Goal Night
Necas opened the scoring at 7:42 of the first period, slipping the puck short‑side off a low slot entry. It was a textbook finish, and the crowd roared as the Czech forward lifted his stick in celebration. "We wanted to start the year strong," Necas said in the post‑game interview. "Getting a goal early makes everyone confident – especially the guys on the bench."
The second tally came on a power play at 12:18 of the second period. After a crisp feed from MacKinnon, Necas found space on the far side and lifted a quick one‑timer that beat Wedgewood low on the glove side. That goal extended Colorado’s lead to 4‑0 and essentially sealed the game. The power‑play unit, coordinated by Makar’s booming point pass, posted a perfect 2‑for‑2 conversion rate.
Avs' Defensive Masterclass
Beyond the offense, Colorado’s back‑check was stout. Defensemen Josh Manson and Samuel Girard (not mentioned in the original recap but part of the line‑up) consistently broke up rushes, while Wedgewood’s positioning turned several would‑be scoring chances into harmless rebounds.
The Avalanche recorded 12 blocked shots – the highest total of any NHL team in the first week of the season. According to former player‑turned‑analyst Mike Brehm, “Colorado’s defensive depth is finally translating into game‑changing numbers. If they keep this level of shot suppression, the playoffs will look very different.”
Kings' Response and Outlook
Los Angeles, meanwhile, showed flashes of promise. Forward Andrei Kuzmenko peppered the Avs’ zone with quick‑fire wrist shots, while center Quinton Byfield generated traffic in front of the net. Yet penalties – a 2‑minute interference call on MacKinnon and a cross‑check by Manson – disrupted their rhythm.
Coach Todd McLellan was candid in the press conference: “We need to tighten up our transition game. Giving up four goals in the first 30 minutes is not where we want to be. We’ll regroup, look at the film, and get back on track.”
For the Kings, the takeaway is clear: they must shore up defensive coverage and capitalize on power‑play opportunities. Their unit will be missing the veteran presence of Anže Kopitar later this season due to a lingering ankle issue, making this early test even more crucial.
Implications for the 2025‑26 Campaign
The Avalanche’s 4‑1 victory lifts them to a 1‑0 record and places them atop the Central Division. Statistically, they rank second in the league for Corsi (shot attempt differential) after the first game, a metric that analysts use to gauge puck‑control dominance. If they sustain this possession‑driven approach, they could be on pace for one of the highest point totals in franchise history.
Conversely, the Kings slip to 0‑1, sitting near the bottom of the Pacific Division. Their goal differential of –3 is a red flag, but early‑season variability is common. The real test will be how quickly they adapt to the faster, more physical style Colorado displayed.
Looking ahead, the next matchup for Colorado is a home game against the Minnesota Wild on Oct. 12. For Los Angeles, a road trip to the San Jose Sharks offers a chance to bounce back.
Key Facts
- Final score: Avalanche 4, Kings 1
- Martin Necas – 2 goals (including power play)
- Colorado shots: 36 on goal; saves: 34 (94.4 %).
- Los Angeles shots: 28 on goal; only 1 goal.
- Penalty minutes: Avalanche 4, Kings 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Avalanche’s playoff chances?
A 4‑1 opening‑night victory puts Colorado atop their division and gives them an early edge in the Corsi rankings, a key predictor of postseason success. If they maintain this puck‑control dominance, their odds of securing a top‑four seed improve dramatically.
What were the most significant moments of the game?
Necas’s short‑side first goal, his power‑play second goal, and Wedgewood’s two‑point‑two save stretch are the highlights. Makar’s point pass to MacKinnon for the opening assist and the Kings’ lone goal from Fiala also shaped the narrative.
Who will the Kings look to rely on moving forward?
Los Angeles will likely lean on veteran center Anže Kopitar when he returns, while giving more ice time to Kuzmenko and Byfield to generate offense. Coach McLellan hinted at reshuffling the forward lines to spark better chemistry.
What does the performance say about the Avalanche’s new goalie?
Sam Wedgewood’s 94.4 % save rate in his second career start demonstrates poise under pressure. analysts note his rebound control and quick lateral movement as reasons why he could solidify the Avs’ goaltending depth this season.
When is the next game for each team?
The Avalanche head to Ball Arena again on Oct. 12 to face the Minnesota Wild, while the Kings travel to San Jose for a road test on Oct. 14.