MacKinnon Breaks Avalanche Points Record in 4-1 Win Over Kings
On , the Colorado Avalanche rolled into Crypto.com Arena and left with a 4‑1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. The night belonged to Nathan MacKinnon, a forward for the Avalanche, who shattered the franchise’s points record previously held by Joe Sakic.
In a crisp opening period, Martin Necas struck twice, while Sam Malinski added a defensive goal. The Avalanche’s net‑minder Scott Wedgewood turned aside 27 shots, and Colorado’s power play clicked once in three chances. The Kings’ lone reply came from Kevin Fiala on a two‑man advantage late in the third.
Record‑Breaking Night for MacKinnon
Nathan MacKinnon logged two assists, pushing his career total to 1,017 points and eclipsing Joe Sakic’s 1,016‑point mark that stood for two decades. The milestone made MacKinnon the all‑time leader in Avalanche franchise history and tied him with Victor Hedman for the most points in a season opener among active NHL players. His second assist came on Artturi Lehkonen’s goal, a rebound off Cale Makar’s close‑range attempt.
Game Flow and Scoring Summary
The first 20 minutes were a showcase of Colorado’s offensive firepower. Necas opened the scoring at 19:59 of the first period with a wrist shot from the right circle during a delayed penalty. Ten seconds later, Sam Malinski’s snap shot from the left point doubled the lead. The Avalanche kept the pressure on, and at 7:00 of the third period Necas capped his night with a power‑play wrist shot, sealing a 4‑0 lead.
The Kings finally broke through at 15:06 of the third when Adrian Kempe set up Kevin Fiala for a one‑timer, with Anze Kopitar earning the secondary assist. The goal trimmed the margin but didn’t sway the momentum.
Reactions from Coaches and Players
Colorado head coach Jared Bednar praised the physical edge his squad displayed, singling out defenseman Josh Manson for a “game‑changing” hit that set the tone defensively. “Manson’s hit was absolutely game‑changing – it set the tone for our entire defensive structure tonight,” Bednar told reporters on October 8, 2025.
On the other side, Kings captain Anze Kopitar reflected on his final season opener, noting the emotional weight of the night. “It’s bittersweet to open my last season with a loss, but I’m proud of how we fought,” he said.
Implications for the Avalanche and Kings
Colorado’s win bolsters a team that finished last season just shy of the Western Conference Finals. The offensive burst and disciplined defensive play suggest the roster is primed for another deep playoff run. MacKinnon’s record underscores his enduring value as the franchise’s centerpiece.
For Los Angeles, the loss marks the start of a rebuilding phase accelerated by Kopitar’s retirement announcement on September 18, 2025. The Kings will lean on younger talent like Kempe and Fiala to fill the void, while evaluating the surprise third jersey that debuted in the game.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Avalanche head back to Denver for a Thursday night clash with the Vegas Golden Knights at Ball Arena on October 10, 2025. Meanwhile, the Kings welcome the Anaheim Ducks on October 11, 2025, hoping to snap a two‑game losing streak.
Historical Context and Franchise Milestones
The Avalanche’s franchise points record has changed hands only twice since the team relocated from Quebec in 1995. Joe Sakic set the benchmark in 2015, and MacKinnon’s ascent reflects the modern era’s faster scoring pace. Meanwhile, Kopitar joins an elite group—alongside Sakic and Wayne Gretzky—who have amassed 27 or more points in season‑opening games.
- Key Facts
- Date: October 7, 2025
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- Final Score: Avalanche 4, Kings 1
- MacKinnon’s career points: 1,017 (franchise record)
- Attendance: 17,546 fans
Frequently Asked Questions
How does MacKinnon’s record affect the Avalanche’s playoff hopes?
Breaking the franchise points record cements MacKinnon’s role as the Avalanche’s offensive engine. His ability to produce consistently in high‑pressure games gives Colorado a reliable scoring threat, which analysts say improves their odds of securing a top‑three seed in the Western Conference.
What does Anze Kopitar’s final season opener mean for the Kings?
Kopitar’s 27th career season‑opening point ties him with legends for third‑most in NHL history, offering a graceful exit on a high note. It also highlights the leadership void the Kings must fill as they transition toward a younger core.
How did the new Kings third jersey perform on the ice?
The surprise third jersey drew mixed fan reactions, but it didn’t hinder performance. Kevin Fiala’s goal came while wearing the alternate uniform, and the design was praised for its bold colors, though some critics said it was a distraction for players.
Which players stood out statistically in the game?
Martin Necas led all scorers with two goals, while Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon each added two assists. The Avalanche’s goaltender, Scott Wedgewood, posted a 96.4% save percentage with 27 saves on 28 shots. For the Kings, Kevin Fiala’s one‑timer was the only goal.
When and where is the Avalanche’s next game?
The Avalanche travel back to Denver for their second matchup of the season on October 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM Mountain Time. They will face the Vegas Golden Knights at Ball Arena.
