Kings vs Avalanche: MacKinnon Breaks Record, Necas Dominates — Avalanche 4–1 Over Kings in Season Opener

Nathan MacKinnon becomes Colorado’s all-time points leader in 4–1 win over Kings. Necas scores twice, Gabriel Landeskog returns. Full recap, preview & tactical analysis.

Kings vs Avalanche: One-line snapshot

Nathan MacKinnon collected two assists to become the Colorado Avalanche’s all-time points leader, and Martin Nečas scored twice as the Avs convincingly beat the Los Angeles Kings 4–1 to open the season.

Why this matchup matters

Opening-night showdowns always carry extra weight. The Avalanche vs Kings rivalry brings together high expectations and storylines: Colorado, rebuilt and retooled after a disappointing playoff exit, and Los Angeles, with a captain in Anze Kopitar beginning his final season and fans eager for a strong start. The season opener gave a first look at team direction, personnel decisions, and who’s ready to set the tone.

Also, the game marked a milestone: MacKinnon passed Joe Sakic (in the franchise’s Colorado era) to become the all-time points leader. That’s as symbolic as any individual moment this season.

 

Final score & key boxscore facts

• Avalanche 4, Kings 1
• Martin Nečas scored twice.
• Artturi Lehkonen added a goal + assist.
• Sam Malinski scored the fourth. (Mile High Hockey)
• MacKinnon & Makar each had two assists; MacKinnon’s first assist was his 1,016th point, breaking the prior franchise mark.
• Kings’ lone goal: Kevin Fiala netted a late power-play goal (5-on-3).
• Goalies: Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves for Colorado; Darcy Kuemper made 19 stops for Los Angeles.

Game narrative & turning points

First period — feeling out

The first period ended scoreless. The Kings looked to play a physical, defensive style, trying to clog up lanes and prevent Colorado speed from getting going. But few clear chances broke through. (Annenberg Media)

Second period — Avalanche pull away

Colorado struck early in the second. Just 48 seconds in, MacKinnon orchestrated a play from behind the Kings’ net, passing it out to Nečas, who walked into the zone and ripped a wrist shot to open the scoring.

They didn’t stop there: Necas added a second goal later in the period, and Lehkonen tipped in another rebound. The Avs surged to a 3–0 lead heading into the third.

Third period — closing it out

The Kings got on the board via Fiala’s 5-on-3 power-play goal with ~4:53 remaining, avoiding a shutout.
Colorado later added Malinski’s goal to seal the 4–1 outcome. (Mile High Hockey)

[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]

 

Spotlight players & performances

Nathan MacKinnon — the milestone man

MacKinnon’s two assists were historic: he reached 1,016 points and overtook Joe Sakic (1,015) in the Colorado era.
His playmaking from the slot and behind the net orchestrated multiple scoring chances, including the game’s first goal.

Martin Nečas — the offensive spark

Nečas’s two goals make him the clear offensive standout. He was the driver behind the second-period surge and gave Colorado depth beyond their stars.

Artturi Lehkonen & Sam Malinski — support firepower

Lehkonen’s goal + assist and Malinski’s tally added balance to Colorado’s attack, showing the Avs are not relying solely on MacKinnon or Makar.

Kings side — Fiala & Kopitar

Kevin Fiala’s power-play goal was a late glimmer, but too little too late. (CBSSports.com) Meanwhile, Anze Kopitar began his 20th and final NHL season, adding emotional weight to the opener.

Others: Landeskog, Makar, Wedgewood

• Gabriel Landeskog returned from knee injuries, skating his first season opener since 2021.
• Cale Makar had two assists and continues to anchor Colorado’s elite defense.
• Scott Wedgewood’s 24-save performance gave Colorado stability in net.

Tactical & structural analysis

Why Colorado won

1. Aggressive second-period push — breaking the game open quickly. The Kings seemed out of sync defending the rush and transitions during that stretch.
2. Depth scoring — goals from multiple lines prevented the Kings from focusing on shutting down just one threat.
3. Balanced defense and offense — Makar’s outlet passes and MacKinnon’s vision allowed controlled breakouts.
4. Special teams efficiency — Colorado capitalized on the power play, while LA’s was less effective.

Checkmate ♔ pic.twitter.com/ZDzHhvsPXR

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 8, 2025

 

Why the Kings struggled

• Inability to contain the second-period push.
• Turnovers and lack of quick defensive transition allowed Colorado to get pressure.
• Their third period fight-back came too late; they couldn’t sustain sustained offensive zone time.
• The late goal was welcome but insufficient given the gap.
• The new third‐jersey reveal and pregame hype may have distracted or added pressure. (Annenberg Media)

What this opener signals — season and rivalry implications

• Colorado sets tone: A road win, milestone moment for MacKinnon, depth scoring — the Avs look fully engaged.
• Kings’ balancing act: With Kopitar in his final season and the team unveiling a new identity, they’ll need responses quickly.
• Historical edge: Colorado now leads the season series early and adds a psychological edge.
• Rivalry trend: In 113 prior regular-season meetings, Avs lead 54–47–12; this result reinforces their dominance.

Prediction revisited & next clashes

Before the game, analysts projected this as a close matchup — Vegas lines had LA slightly favored in some markets using promotions like “bet $5 get $200” offers. (New York Post) But the 4–1 outcome wasn’t a close game.

Remaining meetings this season: December 29 at Colorado, and again March 2 in Los Angeles. (NHL) In those games, expect tighter systems, more adjustments, and deeper coaching duels.

My prediction: Colorado will win again at home; Kings may grab one in LA if Kopitar and Fiala stay hot and the defense tightens.