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Avalanche vs. Kings schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series
TL;DR
The Colorado Avalanche face the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs first round, with the Avalanche as heavy favorites. The series marks a significant moment for Kings' captain Anze Kopitar, who is retiring after the season.
Key points
- Avalanche are Stanley Cup favorites with the best NHL record
- Kings barely made the playoffs and are struggling
- Anze Kopitar is retiring after the season
- Avalanche ended the season on a three-game win streak
- Kings finished worse than last season
Colorado AvalancheLos Angeles KingsAnze KopitarNathan MacKinnon
Avalanche vs. Kings schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With one team as a Stanley Cup favorite and another on a final ride, the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings are in store for a big opening-round matchup.
Colorado is the heavy favorite after finishing the 2025-26 season with the best record in the NHL. It has two of the best players in the league in Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, and no one would bat an eye if they won it all.
On the other side, the Kings just snuck into the playoffs and this David is set up for a matchup with Goliath. It is also the end of an era in Los Angeles, with captain Anze Kopitar retiring once the season is over. As a result, every series might be Kopitar's last.
These two teams are trending in opposite directions entering this series. The Avalanche have improved drastically from last season and ended this season on a three-game win streak. The Kings are sputtering, finishing worse than last season and losing their last two games. They'll look to ride the Kopitar train for as long as they still can.
Here's what you need to know to watch Avalanche vs. Kings, including broadcast information and start times.
Avalanche vs. Kings schedule
Q&A
What are the dates and times for the Avalanche vs. Kings playoff series?
The specific dates and times for the Avalanche vs. Kings playoff series are detailed in the official NHL schedule.
Which TV channels will broadcast the Avalanche vs. Kings playoff games?
The Avalanche vs. Kings playoff games will be broadcast on various sports networks; check local listings for specific channels.
What is the current form of the Avalanche and Kings entering the playoffs?
The Avalanche are on a three-game win streak and finished the season strong, while the Kings lost their last two games and finished worse than last season.
How significant is Anze Kopitar's retirement for the Kings in the playoffs?
Anze Kopitar's retirement marks the end of an era for the Kings, adding emotional weight to each playoff game as it could be his last.
