The Colorado Avalanche continue to cement their status as the gold standard of the NHL this season. On Monday night at Crypto.com Arena, Devon Toews played the hero, scoring a tiebreaking goal late in the third period to lead the Avalanche to a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. The win was a historic one for Colorado, as they became the first team in the league to reach the 40-win mark this season, improving their stellar record to 40-10-9.
Devon Toews Delivers in the Clutch
With the game deadlocked late in regulation, it was Devon Toews who found the opening the Avalanche needed. With just 4:55 remaining in the third period, Toews drifted into the slot and connected on a precise pass from Nathan MacKinnon. The veteran defenseman’s second goal of the season beat Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg, breaking a 2-2 tie and silencing the Los Angeles crowd.
The goal capped off a resilient performance by Colorado, who saw an early two-goal lead evaporate before finding their stride in the final frame. Toews, primarily known for his elite defensive positioning and puck-moving abilities, proved he can still provide the offensive spark when the stakes are highest. His goal ensured that the Avalanche would not leave Los Angeles without both points in a tightly contested divisional battle.
A New Era Begins for the Los Angeles Kings
Monday night marked a significant turning point for the Los Angeles Kings, as it was their first game under interim head coach D.J. Smith. The Kings made the decision to fire Jim Hiller on Sunday following a stretch of inconsistent play and a disappointing start to the 2026 calendar year. Smith, who had been serving as an associate coach, was tasked with reigniting a locker room that has struggled to find its identity since a difficult playoff exit last spring.
Despite the loss, there were flashes of the "swagger" Smith hoped to instill. After falling behind 2-0 in the first period, the Kings fought back. Brandt Clarke put Los Angeles on the board with a power-play goal late in the first, and rookie Angus Booth netted his first career NHL goal in the second period to tie the game. However, the Kings' offense struggled to generate consistent pressure against a stifling Colorado defense, finishing the night with only 21 shots on goal.
Martin Necas and the Avalanche Stars Shine
While Toews provided the game-winner, Martin Necas was arguably the most impactful player on the ice for Colorado. Necas finished the night with three points, including two primary assists and a power-play empty-net goal with just one second remaining to seal the 4-2 final. Necas has been a revelation for the Avalanche this season, now sitting at 68 points on the campaign.
The Avalanche's core stars also made their presence felt early. Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring just 4:27 into the match with his 41st goal of the season, a blistering one-timer from the slot. Shortly after, captain Gabriel Landeskog doubled the lead with his eighth of the year. Both MacKinnon and Landeskog finished the night with a goal and an assist each, demonstrating the depth of an Avalanche roster that leads the NHL in scoring.
Defensive Dominance and Milestone Wins
Between the pipes, Mackenzie Blackwood provided another steady performance for Colorado. Blackwood stopped 19 of the 21 shots he faced, earning his 21st win of the season. His ability to shut the door in the third period allowed the Avalanche to maintain pressure at the other end, eventually leading to the Toews breakthrough.
This victory was more than just another two points in the standings; it was the franchise's 1,750th regular-season win. As the trade deadline approaches, the Avalanche look like a team without many weaknesses. For the Kings, the road ahead remains challenging. While the energy under D.J. Smith was apparent, Los Angeles will need to find more offensive consistency if they hope to climb back into the Western Conference playoff picture. They currently sit three points out of a wild-card spot and will look to bounce back in their next outing.
Sources & Original Reporting
