Avalanche reach 40 wins first in NHL after 4-2 victory over Kings

The Colorado Avalanche secured their 40th win of the season with a 4-2 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night, becoming the first NHL team to hit that milestone.[1][2] Devon Toews delivered the game-winning goal late in the third period, capitalizing on a pass from Nathan MacKinnon to break a 2-2 tie with 4:55 remaining. Martin Necas sealed the deal with an empty-net power-play goal in the final second, adding to his impressive three-point night.

This victory came at Crypto.com Arena, where the Kings were playing their first game under interim coach D.J. Smith following the firing of Jim Hiller on Sunday. The Avalanche jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first period thanks to one-timers from MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog before the Kings clawed back.[1]

Game recap and key moments

The Avalanche struck first at 4:27 of the opening frame when MacKinnon buried a one-timer on a 2-on-1 rush, assisted by Necas. Landeskog doubled the lead at 10:13, firing from above the circles off a feed from Brent Burns. Los Angeles answered late in the period with Brandt Clarke’s power-play goal, cutting the deficit to 2-1.[2]

An early second-period goal by Necas was wiped out by an early whistle, but the Kings tied it at 8:32 when debutant Angus Booth tipped in Brian Dumoulin’s centering pass at the crease. The score remained level heading into the third, setting up a tense finish.

Toews’ slot goal proved decisive, as Mackenzie Blackwood preserved the lead with 19 saves. Anton Forsberg was strong in defeat for LA, stopping 36 shots. Necas’ empty-netter capped a strong night for Colorado’s offense.[1]

The Kings battled despite absences, with Anze Kopitar assisting Clarke and nearing a franchise points milestone at 1,302 career points.

Standout performances

Martin Necas led the way with one goal and two assists, showcasing his playmaking ability. Nathan MacKinnon contributed a goal and an assist, continuing his dominant season with 40 goals and 57 assists overall.[3] Gabriel Landeskog also tallied a goal and assist in his return to form.

• Avalanche top contributors:
  • Necas: 1G, 2A
  • MacKinnon: 1G, 1A
  • Landeskog: 1G, 1A
  • Toews: 1G (game-winner)
  • Blackwood: 19 saves

For the Kings, Booth’s debut goal was a highlight amid a depleted roster. Clarke’s power-play tally showed promise, but defensive lapses hurt.

Blackwood’s steady goaltending has been key in Colorado’s run, while Forsberg’s effort couldn’t overcome the absences.

Kings’ coaching shakeup and injury woes

Los Angeles fired Jim Hiller on Sunday, promoting D.J. Smith to interim head coach in a bid to salvage their season. The move came after a rough stretch, with the Kings dropping six of their last seven games (1-5-1). For more on the firing, check our coverage here.[4]

The Kings were shorthanded, missing seven key players including Olympic medalists Drew Doughty, Joel Armia, and Darcy Kuemper due to injuries or illness. Late scratches like Quinton Byfield and Trevor Moore forced debuts for Booth, Kenny Connors, and Jared Wright.

Smith’s debut ended in defeat, but the team showed fight in tying the game. Their record now sits around 24-22-14, fighting for a wild-card spot.

These absences, combined with the coaching change, tested LA’s depth significantly.

Avalanche’s dominant season so far

With the win, Colorado improved to 40-10-9, leading the Central Division and Western Conference with 89 points. They are the first team to 40 wins, boasting just two regulation losses through their first 40 games—a rare feat shared historically with the 1979-80 Flyers in early stretches.[5]

Nathan MacKinnon paces the NHL in scoring, while additions like Necas have boosted the attack. The defense, led by Cale Makar, and goaltending tandem have fueled a +75 goal differential through 58 games prior to this win.

Recent form includes five wins in seven, with franchise shutouts and streaks underscoring their depth. For insights into their dominance, see our post on the secrets to the Avalanche’s NHL success.[4]

Injuries like Artturi Lehkonen’s upper-body issue tested them, but resilience prevailed.

What it means moving forward

This milestone positions the Avalanche as Stanley Cup favorites, with a packed schedule ahead including rematches against Dallas, Edmonton, and Pacific foes. Their ability to win on the road against depleted opponents signals playoff readiness.[5]

For the Kings, the loss underscores challenges, but Smith’s leadership could spark a turnaround if health improves. The NHL playoff race intensifies as March progresses. Keep an eye on Colorado’s pursuit of history and a deep postseason run.[6]