Avalanche and Kings Set for Thrilling Stanley Cup Playoffs Clash

Veteran Kings captain Anze Kopitar faces off against the powerhouse Avalanche in first-round series

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color in shades of burgundy, navy, and silver.The Avalanche and Kings' first-round playoff clash represents a clash of hockey styles and a passing of the torch in the NHL.Los Angeles Today

The Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings are set to meet in the first round of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche are heavy favorites after finishing the regular season with the best record in the league, led by superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Meanwhile, the Kings just squeaked into the playoffs and this series could mark the end of an era as longtime captain Anze Kopitar is set to retire after the season.

Why it matters

This first-round matchup pits a Stanley Cup favorite against an underdog team looking to extend the career of its legendary captain. The Avalanche are seeking their first championship since 2001, while the Kings are hoping to send Kopitar out on a high note in his final NHL games.

The details

The Avalanche and Kings will face off in a best-of-seven series, with the first two games taking place in Colorado on April 19 and April 21. The series then shifts to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4 on April 23 and April 26. If necessary, Games 5, 6 and 7 will be played on April 29, May 1 and May 3, respectively, with the final two games back in Colorado.

  • The first round of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs begins on April 18.
  • Game 1 of the Avalanche vs. Kings series is on April 19 at 3 p.m. ET.
  • Game 2 is on April 21 at 10 p.m. ET.
  • Game 3 is on April 23 at 10 p.m. ET.
  • Game 4 is on April 26 at 4:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Nathan MacKinnon

One of the best players in the NHL, MacKinnon led the Avalanche to the best record in the league this season.

Cale Makar

The dynamic defenseman is another superstar for the Avalanche and a key part of their Stanley Cup aspirations.

Anze Kopitar

The longtime captain of the Kings is set to retire after this season, making this playoff series potentially his last in the NHL.

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What they’re saying

“This is the end of an era for us in Los Angeles, and we're going to do everything we can to make it a memorable one for Anze and our fans.”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach, Los Angeles Kings

“We know the Kings are going to be a tough out, but we're focused on playing our game and making a deep playoff run. This is our best chance to win the Cup in years.”

— Jared Bednar, Head Coach, Colorado Avalanche

What’s next

The winner of the Avalanche-Kings series will advance to the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The NHL Draft Lottery is scheduled for May 4 or 5, while the NHL Scouting Combine will take place in Buffalo from May 31 to June 6. The 2026 NHL Draft is set for June 26-27 in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

This first-round matchup between the Avalanche and Kings represents a clash of contrasting fortunes. Colorado is a Stanley Cup favorite looking to capture its first championship in over 20 years, while Los Angeles is an underdog trying to send off its legendary captain Anze Kopitar with one final playoff run. The series promises to be an exciting and emotional one for both fanbases.