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Avalanche Sweep Kings as Kopitar Plays Final Game

4/27/2026

47 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Colorado Avalanche beat Los Angeles Kings 5–1 on April 26, 2026, completing a sweep.
Colorado saw Nathan MacKinnon score a power-play goal, add an empty-netter and record an assist, while Cale Makar, Nicolas Roy and Devon Toews scored and goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves.
Colorado saw Anze Kopitar play his final NHL game, ending a 20-season career, and will meet the winner of Dallas–Minnesota series in round two.

History

Historical Context

When the franchise moved from Quebec to Denver in 1995-96, the Colorado Avalanche captured the Stanley Cup by sweeping the Florida Panthers 4-0, becoming the first relocated team to win in its inaugural season. That 1996 dominance, led by Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy, mirrors today’s Avalanche sweep of the Los Angeles Kings, underscoring the club’s long-standing playoff power.

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Story summary

Colorado Avalanche beat Los Angeles Kings 5–1 on April 26, 2026, completing a sweep.
Colorado saw Nathan MacKinnon score a power-play goal, add an empty-netter and record an assist, while Cale Makar, Nicolas Roy and Devon Toews scored and goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves.
Colorado saw Anze Kopitar play his final NHL game, ending a 20-season career, and will meet the winner of Dallas–Minnesota series in round two.

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