Avalanche win Game 1 despite late push from Kings

The Avalanche were all over the Kings in the first two periods; however, they couldn’t get one by Kings goalie Anton Forsberg. However, their first break came with just under five minutes left in the second period, with Artturi Lehkonen getting the first goal of the game. Logan O’Connor then added a second goal just over five minutes into the third period.

The Kings tried a late comeback, with Artemi Panarin scoring a power-play goal with 2:22 left in the game, but it was too late. A penalty from Joel Armia stopped the Kings’ momentum, and the Avalanche would hold on for the win.

The game got chippy in the third period, with Kings’ Adrian Kempe and Avalanche Cale Makar getting into multiple tense moments. The Kings were the more physical team, outhitting the Avalanche 49-35. However, it was no issue for the Avalanche as they were able to hang on to win.

Game 2 of the series will be Tuesday, April 21, at 10 p.m. ET.