What Happened
The Colorado Avalanche opened their season with an 8-4 home win over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday. Nathan MacKinnon scored twice during a four-goal second period and later fought Kings defenseman Brandt Clark with Colorado ahead 6-4. Hours before puck drop, the Avalanche gave head coach Jared Bednar a four-year contract extension; he had been in the final year of his deal. Artturi Lehkonen added two goals, Brock Nelson had a goal and two assists, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 26 saves.
Key Details
- MacKinnon scored on a five-on-three 23 seconds into the second period, then made it 4-2 at 8:33.
- His last fight came four years ago, per the report.
- Bednar, who won the 2022 Stanley Cup, was in the final year of his contract.
- Colorado scored four power-play goals and gave up two short-handed goals.
- Darcy Kuemper stopped 21 shots for Los Angeles.
- Trevor Moore, Joel Armia and Brian Dumoulin scored for the Kings.
What It Means
The extension removes immediate questions about Bednar's future in Colorado after the Avalanche were swept by Vegas in last spring's Western Conference Final. The opener showed the Avalanche's power play converting four times, though allowing two short-handed goals is a detail the staff will review. MacKinnon, coming off a career-high 53 goals, picked up where he left off.