Opening Night Preview: Lineup Insights, Doughty’s Ankle, and Laferriere Updates

The Los Angeles Kings are set to kick off their 2025-26 NHL season tonight against the Colorado Avalanche at Crypto.com Arena. The match will start at 7:30 PM Pacific time, marking the first game of the 82-match regular season. Fans can tune in via ESPN’s video streaming or catch the audio on ESPN LA 710 and the LA Kings App.

Matchup Overview

In previous encounters, both teams managed to defend their home turf last season. The Kings won their home match, while the Avalanche secured victories in both of their home games against Los Angeles. Over the last five seasons, Anze Kopitar has excelled against Colorado, recording 15 assists in 20 games. Last season, he, alongside Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield, and Alex Laferriere, each tallied three points against the Avalanche.

Kings Roster Details

The Kings have finalized their Opening Night roster with 22 players, all of whom are available for selection tonight. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper is expected to start but did not participate in the morning skate. Kuemper had a standout previous season, finishing with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage.

• Forward Lines:
  • Kuzmenko – Kopitar – Kempe
  • Fiala – Byfield – Laferriere
  • Foegele – Danault – Moore
  • Malott – Turcotte – Armia
• Defensive Pairings:
  • Anderson – Doughty
  • Edmundson – Clarke
  • Dumoulin – Ceci

Jacob Moverare and Samuel Helenius are projected as scratches for tonight’s game. The Kings will also miss Corey Perry and Kyle Burroughs, both starting the season on injured reserve.

Colorado Avalanche Updates

Like the Kings, the Avalanche will begin their season tonight. Captain Gabriel Landeskog is playing his first regular-season game since March 2022 after missing significant time due to injuries. He is close to reaching the milestone of 250 career goals, tallying 571 points in 738 games.

• Avalanche Forward Lines:
  • Lehkonen – MacKinnon – Necas
  • Landeskog – Nelson – Nichushkin
  • Colton – Drury – Olofsson
  • Kelly – Bardakov – Kiviranta/Brindley
• Defensive Pairings:
  • Toews – Makar
  • Malinski – Burns
  • Girard – Manson
  • Ahcan

Key Storylines

The Kings’ forward Warren Foegele expressed a sense of confidence heading into this season, highlighting a positive vibe within the team. Defenseman Brandt Clarke noted an eagerness to start strong after a successful preseason.

Both teams are aware of the daunting challenge posed by their opponents. Cody Ceci, who played against Colorado last season with the Dallas Stars, recognized their capabilities as a formidable team.

Players to Watch

• Alex Laferriere: Fully participated in practice and is expected to play tonight after being held out of the previous game.
• Drew Doughty: Overcoming an ankle injury, Doughty is keen to showcase his abilities in this season opener.
• Anze Kopitar: As he embarks on his final NHL season, Kopitar aims to maintain his impressive point streak on Opening Night.

As they prepare for Game 1 of the season, the Kings and Avalanche promise an exciting matchup tonight in Los Angeles. Fans eagerly await the action as both teams strive for a winning start.