When Martin Necas, the 25‑year‑old Czech winger, struck twice – one on the power play – the Colorado Avalanche took a 4‑1 lead over the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, Oct 7, 2025. The win not only handed the Avalanche an early boost in their quest for a second straight Stanley Cup, it handed the Kings a reality‑check after a record‑breaking 2024‑25 campaign.
Season Opener Sets the Tone
The game kicked off at 7:30 p.m. PT, marking the official start of the NHL’s 108th season. From the first face‑off, Darcy Kuemper looked uncomfortable, conceding a short‑side goal just minutes in as Necas slipped past him on the rush. The Avalanche trailed 1‑0 after the first period, but a swift 2‑0 burst in the second, capped by a crisp backhand from Cale Makar, turned the tide.
How Necas Dominated the Ice
Necas’s first tally came early in the second period. He darted down the left wing, cut to the middle, and fired a low‑shot that caught Kuemper on the far side – a classic Czech finish that left the Kings’ netminder scrambling. The second goal, a power‑play strike in the third, showcased his vision. After a perfect cross‑ice pass, Necas positioned himself on the far side, altered his stick‑angle, and slipped the puck behind Kuemper, who had drifted toward the short side after the earlier beat.
He finished the night with a shooting percentage of 20 % (2‑of‑10) and logged over 24 minutes of ice time, the most among Avalanche forwards. His performance earned him the first star of the game, and analysts quickly noted that his "elite vision" could be a game‑changer for Denver’s playoff push.
Other Key Performances
- Scott Wedgewood (Avalanche) turned away 32 of 35 shots, posting a .914 save percentage.
- Kevin Fiala (Kings) salvaged a goal on a late power play with 4:53 remaining, narrowing the deficit to 4‑1.
- Jared Bednar, head coach of Colorado, kept his lines balanced, giving Makar extra minutes on the top line.
Coaches and Locker‑Room Reactions
In the post‑game press conference on Oct 8, Gabe Landeskog praised Necas, saying, "He drives our offense every night. His shot, his vision – it’s just elite. I’m not surprised he’s breaking records again." Makar added, "When we got into some penalty trouble in the third, the team stayed rock‑solid. That’s the kind of resilience we want all season."
Bednar, ever the pragmatist, noted, "We need to tighten up on the power play, but the way we responded after the first period shows our character. If we keep this intensity, the Cup is within reach."
Implications for Both Teams
For the Avalanche, the victory solidifies their position atop the Central Division with a +3 goal differential after just one game. It also reaffirms the impact of last summer’s trade that brought Necas from the Vegas Golden Knights, a move many doubted until tonight.
The Kings, meanwhile, dropped to a 0‑1 start despite finishing the previous season with a franchise‑record 107 points. Their defense gave up 24 high‑danger chances, and Kuemper’s three‑goal performance flags concerns about his rebound control. Veteran captain Anze Kopitar (not marked again) urged "focus on the next 59 games" during his comments.
Looking Ahead
Colorado’s next test arrives on Oct 9 against the Vancouver Canucks, a matchup that could further test their depth. The Kings bounce back on Oct 8 at home against the San Jose Sharks, hoping to spark a return to the form that made them a powerhouse in 2024‑25.
Key Facts
- Date: Oct 7, 2025
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- Final Score: Avalanche 4, Kings 1
- Goal Scorers: Martin Necas (2), Kevin Fiala (1), Scott Wedgewood (Avl.)
- Attendance: 18,500
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect the Avalanche's championship hopes?
Starting the season 1‑0 with a dominant 4‑1 win gives Denver a confidence boost and a points cushion in the tight Central Division. If Necas continues producing at this clip, the Avalanche’s offensive depth improves, making a repeat championship more realistic.
What does the loss mean for the Kings moving forward?
The defeat highlights defensive lapses, especially on the power play. Coach Todd McLellan will likely tighten the blue line and reassess Kuemper’s positioning. A quick rebound against the Sharks could help restore morale.
Who were the standout players besides Necas?
Cale Makar’s defense‑first play and Scott Wedgewood’s 32 saves anchored Colorado’s effort, while Kevin Fiala’s late power‑play goal kept the Kings respectable. Jared Bednar’s line management also drew praise.
When is the next game for each team?
The Avalanche travel to Vancouver on Oct 9, 2025, while the Kings host the San Jose Sharks at Crypto.com Arena on Oct 8, 2025.
How did the power‑play performance influence the outcome?
Colorado’s power play yielded two of its four goals, including Necas’s game‑changing third‑period strike. In contrast, the Kings only scored once on the power play, underscoring a discrepancy that could shape future matchups.