Campaign Launched Against the Kings

Bassyonni

ago 3 hours

The Colorado Avalanche are set to launch their 30th season with an opening game against the Los Angeles Kings. This matchup will take place at Crypto.com Arena at 8:30 p.m. MT. Fans can tune in via ESPN or Altitude Sports Radio (92.5 FM). This game marks the first of three encounters between the two teams during the season.

Season Matchups

The Avalanche and Kings will meet again on December 29 at Ball Arena, followed by another encounter in Los Angeles on March 2.

Last Season’s Standouts

Nathan MacKinnon: The forward led the Avalanche in goals (32), assists (84), and total points (116) during the last season.
Cale Makar: A finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award, Makar topped all NHL defensemen with 30 goals, 62 assists, and 92 points.
Martin Necas: He finished third on the team with 56 assists and 83 points, tying with Artturi Lehkonen for third in goals (27).

Historical Context

In their previous regular-season encounters, the Avalanche hold a record of 54 wins, 47 losses, and 12 ties against the Kings. Last season, they managed a 2-1-0 record against Los Angeles.

The teams have faced each other twice in the playoffs. Notably, the Avalanche emerged victorious in seven games during both the 2001 and 2002 playoff meetings.

Key Performers Against the Kings

MacKinnon: An impressive 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in 33 games against the Kings.
Makar: Has acquired 22 points (6 goals, 16 assists) in 17 matchups against Los Angeles.
Brent Burns: Tallied 55 points (19 goals, 36 assists) in 79 regular-season games against the Kings and added 12 points in playoff competitions.

Los Angeles Kings Highlights

Adrian Kempe: Led the Kings with 73 points and tied for first in goals with 35.
Anze Kopitar: Concluded his season as the leader in assists (46) and points (67), finishing with 21 goals.
Kevin Fiala: Tied for the team lead in goals (35) and third in points (60).

Noteworthy Statistics

26: The Avalanche franchise’s record in season openers is 26 wins, 12 losses, and 7 ties.
100: Defenseman Sam Malinski is poised to play in his 100th NHL game during the opener.
1,015: Nathan MacKinnon’s career point total since his debut in the 2013-14 season ranks third in the NHL.

Coach’s Insight

Head Coach Jared Bednar emphasized the importance of consistency and maintaining high standards in their performances right from the start of the season. He expressed optimism about the team’s potential to build on prior successes as they aim for playoff contention.