Martin Necas Nets Two Goals as Avalanche Crush Kings 4-1
When Martin Necas, forward for the Colorado Avalanche, slipped the puck past Darcy Kuemper for his second power‑play strike, the crowd at Crypto.com Arena knew they were witnessing a statement game.
On October 7, 2025, the Avalanche opened the 2025‑2026 NHL regular season with a 4‑1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. The win mattered because Colorado is trying to shake off a painful first‑round exit to the Dallas Stars last spring, while the Kings are starting their 20th and final season for captain Anze Kopitar, after a franchise‑record 51‑win campaign that still ended in a first‑round defeat.
- Final score: Avalanche 4, Kings 1
- Goal scorers: Martin Necas (2), Sam Malinski, Artturi Lehkonen (Colorado); Kevin Fiala (Los Angeles)
- Assist leaders: Nathan MacKinnon (2 assists) – became Avalanche’s all‑time points leader with 742
- Goalies: Scott Wedgewood (24 saves) vs. Darcy Kuemper (19 saves)
- Key moment: Avalanche’s three‑goal second period turned the tide
Season Opener Recap
The first period was a tight affair, ending 0‑0. Necas broke the deadlock at 10:43 on a snap‑shot from the right circle, set up by Cale Makar and Brock Nelson. The Kings answered later with a power‑play strike, but the real drama unfolded in the second period.
Colorado rattled off three unanswered goals, each a showcase of depth. First, Sam Malinski fired a snap‑shot from the blue line at 7:00. Then Artturi Lehkonen slipped a wrist‑shot at 14:42, assisted by Makar and Nathan MacKinnon. The Kings managed a penalty‑kill goal at 17:41 when defenseman Brandt Clarke was flagged for cross‑checking.
The third period saw Necas complete his two‑goal night. At 0:48, he darted to the far side of the net, beating Kuemper a second time – a move Sportsnet’s commentator called “almost cheating to the short side after being beat earlier.” The Kings scraped a late power‑play goal from Kevin Fiala at 15:06, but the Avalanche held firm.
Key Performers and Milestones
Besides Necas’s brace, the night belonged to Nathan MacKinnon. His two assists pushed him past franchise legend Joe Sakic to become the Avalanche’s all‑time points leader with 742, a record that cements his status as Colorado’s offensive cornerstone.
Goalie Scott Wedgewood was a wall, turning away 24 shots, while Kuemper was left with a slightly bruised ego after 19 saves. In post‑game press, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar praised the physicality, especially a hard hit from defenseman Josh Manson that sparked a brief scuffle.
What the Win Means for Colorado
After a painful playoff exit, the Avalanche needed a statement. The 4‑1 opening win not only restores confidence but also highlights a deep roster capable of striking from any line. The three‑goal burst in the second period showed the Kings’ defensive lapses – an issue Colorado will aim to exploit in the weeks ahead.
Analysts note the chemistry between Necas, Makar and MacKinnon as a new offensive axis. If they keep clicking, the Avalanche could be a serious contender for the Central Division crown, even if they have to navigate a competitive West.
Los Angeles Kings: A Record Season Starts with a Loss
The Kings, under GM Ken Holland, entered the season riding a franchise‑record 51‑win, 109‑point campaign. Yet the first loss drops their home record to 0‑1‑0 and puts a dent in momentum.
Captain Kopitar, now in his final NHL season, demonstrated his still‑vital playmaking with a clean‑break assist that set up Fiala’s late goal. The veteran’s presence will be crucial as the Kings aim to translate regular‑season dominance into postseason success – something they’ve missed for four straight years.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matchups
The Avalanche’s next test comes on home ice at Ball Arena on October 9, when they host the Vegas Golden Knights. That game will be a chance to see if Colorado can maintain its early‑season surge against a playoff‑ready opponent.
Meanwhile, the Kings host the Anaheim Ducks on October 10. With Kopitar’s farewell season hanging in the balance, Los Angeles will be looking to bounce back quickly and prove that their record‑breaking regular season wasn’t a fluke.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Martin Necas’s performance impact the Avalanche’s offense?
Necas’s two power‑play goals highlighted his emerging role as a clutch scorer. Combined with assists from Makar and MacKinnon, his output suggests the Avalanche now have three reliable offensive weapons, which should diversify scoring chances and ease pressure on McDavid‑style reliance.
What does Nathan MacKinnon’s new franchise record mean for his legacy?
Surpassing Joe Sakic’s 741 points cements MacKinnon as the Avalanche’s all‑time offensive leader. The milestone adds a historic layer to his resume, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s elite playmakers and likely boosting his Hall‑of‑Fame résumé.
Why is the Kings’ loss significant after a record‑setting season?
Starting 0‑1‑0 puts immediate pressure on a team that set franchise highs last year. It tests whether their success was sustainable or a product of favorable circumstances, especially as they face a disciplined Avalanche defense that exposed defensive lapses.
What are the key challenges for Colorado in its next game against Vegas?
The Golden Knights boast a balanced roster and strong special‑teams play. Colorado must maintain its second‑period intensity, keep its penalty kill sharp, and continue leveraging the Necas‑Makar‑MacKinnon trio to generate scoring chances.
How will Anze Kopitar’s final season affect the Kings’ leadership?
Kopitar’s experience provides stability as the franchise transitions. His mentorship of younger players like Brandt Clarke will be vital, and his on‑ice vision can still spark key moments, helping the Kings aim for a deep playoff run before his retirement.