Kings' Forsberg to Start Game 1 Against Avalanche

Backup goaltender earns starting nod over regular starter Kuemper

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey goaltender making a save, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette of blues, greens, and reds, conceptually representing the intensity and unpredictability of playoff hockey.A cubist interpretation of a Kings goaltender making a crucial save against the high-powered Avalanche offense in the opening game of their playoff series.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Kings have announced that backup goaltender Anton Forsberg will start Game 1 of their playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche. Forsberg, who spent much of the season as the number two goaltender, earned the starting role with a strong finish to the regular season, going 5-1-0 with a 1.48 goals-against average and a .944 save percentage in April.

Why it matters

The decision to start Forsberg over regular starter Darcy Kuemper is a bit of a surprise, as Kuemper struggled down the stretch, allowing 19 goals over the final four games of the regular season. However, Forsberg's hot play has earned him the nod in the series opener against the high-powered Avalanche offense, which averaged a league-best 3.63 goals per game during the regular season.

The details

Forsberg led the Kings out for warmups and will be in net for Game 1 against the Avalanche. The 33-year-old goaltender appeared in just 36 games this season but has earned the starting role with his strong play in April, when he posted a 5-1-0 record with a 1.48 GAA and a .944 save percentage.

  • Forsberg will start Game 1 against the Avalanche on April 19, 2026.

The players

Anton Forsberg

A 33-year-old goaltender for the Los Angeles Kings who has earned the starting nod for Game 1 of the playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche.

Darcy Kuemper

The regular starting goaltender for the Los Angeles Kings who struggled down the stretch, allowing 19 goals over the final four games of the regular season.

Colorado Avalanche

The opponent for the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 2026 NHL playoffs, boasting the league's best offense during the regular season with 3.63 goals per game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Forsberg led the Kings out for warmups and will start Game 1 against the Avalanche.”

— Zach Dooley, Reporter, Kings' official site

What’s next

The Kings and Avalanche will face off in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on April 19, 2026.

The takeaway

The Kings' decision to start backup goaltender Anton Forsberg over regular starter Darcy Kuemper in Game 1 against the high-powered Avalanche offense is a bold move, but one that Forsberg has earned with his strong play down the stretch. This series could come down to which goaltender can outperform the other, making Forsberg's performance in Game 1 crucial for the Kings' chances of advancing.