Avalanche Top Kings in Game 1 Playoff Opener

Goalie Scott Wedgewood stars in 2-1 victory for top-seeded Colorado

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intensity and action of a hockey game between the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant blues, greens, and reds.The Avalanche's Game 1 victory over the Kings showcases the team's playoff pedigree, but the underdog Kings proved they can compete at the highest level.Denver Today

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series on Sunday. Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves in his first career playoff start to lead Colorado to the victory in Denver.

Why it matters

The Avalanche are the top seed in the Western Conference and are looking to make a deep playoff run after a strong regular season. The Kings are the underdog in the series, but they pushed the Avalanche in Game 1 and will look to even the series in the coming games.

The details

Wedgewood, who was making his first career playoff start, turned in a stellar performance to lead the Avalanche to the Game 1 win. Colorado scored twice in the game to secure the victory, while the Kings were only able to find the back of the net once against the Avalanche's stifling defense.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

The players

Scott Wedgewood

The Colorado Avalanche's starting goaltender, who made 24 saves in the Game 1 victory.

Colorado Avalanche

The top-seeded team in the Western Conference, looking to make a deep playoff run.

Los Angeles Kings

The underdog team in the first-round playoff series against the Avalanche.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Avalanche and Kings will play Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday, April 22, 2026 in Denver.

The takeaway

The Avalanche's Game 1 victory shows they have the talent and goaltending to make a deep playoff run, but the Kings proved they can compete with the top-seeded team and will look to even the series in the coming games.