Edmundson In, Kuemper Off First + Game 1 Preparation, Power

Key Points:

• The Los Angeles Kings open their 2026-27 NHL regular season against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver on Wednesday, September 30, at 7:00 PM Pacific, with Darcy Kuemper projected as the starting goaltender.
• Last season, the Kings went 0-7 against the Avalanche, including playoffs, highlighting the challenge ahead as Colorado features stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, who led the NHL in scoring among forwards and defensemen respectively.
• The Kings aim to improve on their prior series loss to Colorado, focusing on disciplined puck battles and managing momentum, with coach Peter Laviolette emphasizing balancing their own system while preparing for Colorado’s strong play style.
• Key factors for the Kings will include their power play effectiveness against Colorado’s top-ranked penalty kill and adjusting to Denver’s high altitude by managing shift lengths to maintain stamina.
• Tonight’s game will be nationally televised on TNT, marking a high-profile start to the Kings’ season against the NHL’s previous best team, with further national broadcasts scheduled early in the season.