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Avalanche Lead Series 2-0 as Wedgewood Stops Penalty Shot

4/23/2026

49 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Avalanche Leads

Avalanche lead series 2-0 Thursday at Crypto.com Arena, airing at 10 p.m. ET on HBO MAX, FDSNSC, truTV, TNT, ALT, SN360, SN and TVAS.
Goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves and stopped short-handed penalty shot, second Avalanche goalie to do so in playoffs.
Kings forward Artemi Panarin scored with 13:04 left in Game 2, giving Los Angeles 1-0 lead and becoming fourth Kings player in 25 years to score in first two playoffs.

Summary

Avalanche Extends

A pane shattered behind the Los Angeles bench, causing a 17-minute stoppage after Quinton Byfield’s penalty-shot was stopped by Scott Wedgewood.
Kings coach D.J. Smith was hit by glass fragments but escaped injury.
Colorado traded for Nicolas Roy from Toronto for a 2027 first-round and 2026 fifth-round pick.
Since moving to Denver in 1995-96, the Avalanche are 17-2 after a 2-0 lead and Los Angeles is 3-12 after falling behind 0-2.

History

Historical Context

The Colorado Avalanche's relocation from Quebec in 1995 marked a pivotal moment in NHL history, as they quickly won the Stanley Cup in 1996. This success highlighted the competitive nature of the league, contrasting with the Los Angeles Kings, who have struggled in playoffs, evidenced by their 3-12 record after trailing 0-2 in series. The rivalry reflects the evolving dynamics of professional hockey.

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Avalanche Leads

Avalanche lead series 2-0 Thursday at Crypto.com Arena, airing at 10 p.m. ET on HBO MAX, FDSNSC, truTV, TNT, ALT, SN360, SN and TVAS.
Goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves and stopped short-handed penalty shot, second Avalanche goalie to do so in playoffs.
Kings forward Artemi Panarin scored with 13:04 left in Game 2, giving Los Angeles 1-0 lead and becoming fourth Kings player in 25 years to score in first two playoffs.

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