The Colorado Avalanche got a crucial Game 1 win over the LA Kings on Sunday at Ball Arena. The uber-talented Avs lineup needed almost two full periods to get on the board. But when they did, it was a typical clutch performer that stepped up to give Colorado the lead.
Consummate playoff performer Artturi Lehkonen got yet another clutch goal to make the game 1-0.
LEHKY FINDS THE FIRST 🚨 pic.twitter.com/wr1niTnLPM
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 19, 2026
Lehkonen picked up a loose puck and tucked it home. It should be no surprise that the goal came from a notable playoff performer like Lehkonen.
Then, the Avalanche got an insurance goal from another clutch performer. This time, it was Logan O’Connor who found a fantastic time to get his first goal of the season.
OC's PLAYING BABY 👏 pic.twitter.com/xgVApBXDM8
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 19, 2026
O’Connor took a pass after a Kings’ turnover in the neutral zone, roofing one past Anton Forsberg to make the game 2-0.
The 29-year-old played just 13 games this season after missing most of the year recovering from hip surgery. He registered two assists during the regular season. But boy did O’Connor flip a switch once the playoffs got started.
It’s worth pointing out that O’Connor had a goal wiped off the board due to a goalie interference call in the second period.
The Avs scored but it was immediately waved off for goaltender interference.
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 19, 2026
The Avs then challenged the call, and it was upheld, no goal 🫣 pic.twitter.com/kvpMEbDoWs
Kings’ defenseman Drew Doughty knocked Jack Drury into Forsberg, allowing the shot to get past the Kings’ netminder. The goal was immediately waved off. The Avs challenged, but the call on the ice stood.
O’Connor eventually got his goal, but had to wait a little bit longer to get it.
Artemi Panarin scored a late power play goal for the Kings to break the shutout for Scott Wedgewood. Wedgewood had a sensational first playoff start. He made 24 saves to keep the Avs in the game.
If there was any doubt about Jared Bendar’s decision to go with Wedgewood, there will be none after Sunday’s game.
All told, the Avalanche got clutch performances from key players in Game 1. The Kings did a good job of stopping MacKinnon, Makar, and Necas (considering Necas wired one off the crossbar in the third period). But it was the depth that killed the Kings in Game 1.
The attention now turns to Game 2 on Tuesday night. The Avalanche will be looking to take a 2-0 series lead and put the Kings on the ropes.
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