The Colorado Avalanche will be back on the ice on Tuesday night, as they take on the LA Kings in Game 2 of their first-round series in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Avs took a tight 2-1 Game 1, one that wasn’t quite as close as the score suggested. Colorado dominated much of the contest. However, the Kings deserve a ton of credit for hanging in there. That said, the outcome was precisely what everyone expected.
That’s why the Avalanche’s lineup for Game 2 should not see any changes.
Here’s what the Avalanche’s forward groups could look like:
- Lehkonen-MacKinnon-Necas
- Kelly-Nelson-Nichushkin
- Landeskog-Kadri-Roy
- Kiviranta-Drury-O’Connor
The biggest question will be Ross Colton. Jared Bednar stated that scratching Colton for Game 1 came down to a decision about special teams. But Colton should see some action soon.
Bednar said “tough decisions” to make yesterday, and special teams played a role in Ross Colton being a scratch for the first time as a member of the Avalanche.
— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) April 20, 2026
His message?
“Be ready to make an impact when you get an opportunity because there’s no doubt it’s going to come.”
That’s why Logan O’Connor was such a huge piece for the Avalanche. His insertion into the lineup is a practical matter in terms of penalty killing, but also the energy he brings to the club. He rewarded Bednar’s faith by scoring twice (one was disallowed).
As for the defense corps, no changes should be expected, either.
- Toews-Makar
- Burns-Manson
- Kulak-Malinski
The only potential change might be breaking up the Toews-Makar pairing. However, there’s really no need to do that. Makar was a demon on the ice in Game 1. That’s why there wouldn’t be any real incentive to make any moves on the blue line.
As for the starting goalie, Scott Wedgewood should get the call. There doesn’t seem to be any indication that Blackwood would see any action at this point. Although Blackwood may see some action if this series is headed towards a sweep.
As such, a win in Game 2 could open the door for Blackwood to start Game 3 on the road and have Wedgewood return for Game 4. That situation, nevertheless, might seem unlikely as Bednar isn’t really the type of coach who goes with goalie rotations.
A win in Game 2 would put the Kings on the ropes as the series moves back to California. Unless the Kings can somehow score early and often, Game 2 could look a lot like Game 1 did.
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