The Colorado Avalanche opened their season with a victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Both teams started out a little shaky as they got their feet under them. The second period is where it all picked up. In the second period, the Avalanche scored three goals, and Nathan MacKinnon secured a team record. The third saw frustration build for both clubs, with seven penalties assessed. The Avalanche walked out of L.A. with a 4–1 victory and started strongly to start the new season.
Views from the Mountaintop
Nathan MacKinnon secured two assists during the second period, giving him 1,017 career points, all with the Avalanche. He passed Avalanche great and former captain Joe Sakic for Avalanche points. Now MacKinnon owns the record for points for any Avalanche player since the relocation from Quebec in 1995. MacKinnon, at age 30, still possesses the potential for a lengthy career. Sakic still holds the franchise record for points with 1,641 points.
It's what the Dogg does. pic.twitter.com/9DOsXUepnq
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 8, 2025
Having played one game for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Gavin Brindley was not making an NHL debut on Tuesday night. But he sure showed fans why he earned the opening night spot for the Avalanche. Brindley, never fatigued, was on the forecheck, plus backcheck. In the first period, the rookie had Colorado’s best chance after a takeaway in the slot but shot it wide. His stick control drew a penalty in the second that the Avalanche had multiple chances on. If Brindley continues to play like this, he could outplay his “tryout” and earn a spot for good.
Cleanup on aisle one, serviced by Artturi Lehkonen! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/mqC6g3ydA7
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) October 8, 2025
Goaltender Scott Wedgewood held Colorado in the game despite an avalanche of penalties in the third. The officials penalized Colorado four times in the third period, providing the Kings with many opportunities. The Kings could only convert on one of them, but Wedgewood stopped 24 of 25 shots in the game.
Game 100 and it’s a beauty from Sam Malinski! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/KXTH98jMyI
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) October 8, 2025
Up Next
The Avalanche will have their home opener on Thursday night against the Utah Mammoth at 7 p.m. MT. Altitude Sports will broadcast the game.
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Originally published at Hockey Mountain High.