GDT Round 1 Game 2 GDT LA Kings @ Colorado Avalanche 4/19/26 7:00pm on ESPN & FanDuel So Cal***

[Statue4Deano]

I am good with these changes. Armia is behind the play, and even late in the game he got away with another hold. It wasn’t as long or obvious as the call in the first but same exact scenario.

Malott didn’t hurt the team last night which is best I can say about him, whereas Sammy and Joseph actually helped the team. Big night for that line.

All I could think every time Sammy and Joseph were banging bodies as the game went on was ****ing Hiller…

I genuinely believe DJ is getting the most out of this roster. Maybe it’s just a coincidence but it sure seems like this team plays a much different style and finally looks like they all give a **** under Smith vs. Hiller.

Still a bit too early to start talking about the offseason but if Kenny can find a way to get at least one above average puck mover to replace Edmundson, Ceci or Duomolin it’s going to fix so many 5v5 scoring issues.

 

[ICE24]

What is so frustrating is we all believe the Kings could win these games. They are right there; a break here or there puts them ahead in the series. What's frustrating is the Kings don't get these breaks. And they certainly don't take advantage of what is given to them. Great teams do.

 

[dneprovec]

Kings only team in playoffs not to score 5 on 5 and only 2 for 11 on PP which is 18 %
and still could be 2-0 after playing in high altitude
and Byfield.....I am just exhausted and speechless to watch him
Trade him for whatever

 

[DoubleMinor]

Personally I have no complaints right now. The Kings are executing on a strong strategy and showing how far heart can get them. We all knew it would be an uphill battle, and each game could be a blowout but the Kings are holding their own and showing a high degree of attention to detail.

Getting the team to perform like this definitely raises my opinion of what DJ brings as well (though I think Greene also has a lot to do with it).

Even if the series ends up as a sweep, if the Kings keep playing the way they have I will have nothing but respect. GKG!

I’m right there with you. Yep, disappointed with the missed opportunity last night but pleasantly surprised that the Kings are doing things right.

Avs are doing a lot to make things difficult for the Kings. They have really been keeping Kempe from finding any time and space, the PK is very aggressive, and they are really boxing out well in front of the net.

But Kings have really limited McKinnon, and are making things very hard on the Avs.

My hope is the Kings stick with it, keep wearing down the Avs, and realize that the goals in this series are going to be the greasy, dirty goals.

Again, there is a lot to be pleased about with how the Kings are playing and competing. DJ and his staff are doing a good job.

 

[Statue4Deano]

I’m right there with you. Yep, disappointed with the missed opportunity last night but pleasantly surprised that the Kings are doing things right.

Avs are doing a lot to make things difficult for the Kings. They have really been keeping Kempe from finding any time and space, the PK is very aggressive, and they are really boxing out well in front of the net.

But Kings have really limited McKinnon, and are making things very hard on the Avs.

My hope is the Kings stick with it, keep wearing down the Avs, and realize that the goals in this series are going to be the greasy, dirty goals.

Again, there is a lot to be pleased about with how the Kings are playing and competing. DJ and his staff are doing a good job.

What nobody has mentioned (for fear of waking the dead) is how well the Kings have handled Makar.

 

[LAKingSteve]

Kopi is gone in a few more games. So substitute Kopi with ???

IMO, I’m not interested in Matthews. Too much $$ and doesn’t seem to be well liked by teammates.

So who?

That's the million dollar question. My gut tells me they put Q in that spot to see if he can thrive between two star players. I also think there is a distinct possibility they go big name hunting to fill either a 1C or 2C. That would clearly impact Byfield's placement.

 

[LAKingSteve]

How many grade A scoring chances did the Avs blow? As many or more, from my recollection. Especially in game 1.

But they have the firepower to keep pushing across multiple lines. The Kings don't which is why it's pretty critical that they score on those better chances.

 

[DarkLeftHand]

All I could think every time Sammy and Joseph were banging bodies as the game went on was ****ing Hiller…

I genuinely believe DJ is getting the most out of this roster. Maybe it’s just a coincidence but it sure seems like this team plays a much different style and finally looks like they all give a **** under Smith vs. Hiller.

Still a bit too early to start talking about the offseason but if Kenny can find a way to get at least one above average puck mover to replace Edmundson, Ceci or Duomolin it’s going to fix so many 5v5 scoring issues.

I agree, and I know in spirit, losing Kopitar is a big deal, but on the stat sheet I don’t think it’ll be that difficult to replace his production. The guy looked like he was in mid January form out there last night, laboring around with a piano on his back. I can’t help but think seeing him use his size to lay a devastating body check on an opponent would go a long way to motivating the rest of the troops to double down. If I’m DJ, I’m calling Kopitar into my office and imploring him to step out of his normal comfort zone, and play with a ferocity and nastiness that has never once been seen in the entirety of his career. If at least just for the final several games of his illustrious career.

 

[Statue4Deano]

I agree, and I know in spirit, losing Kopitar is a big deal, but on the stat sheet I don’t think it’ll be that difficult to replace his production. The guy looked like he was in mid January form out there last night, laboring around with a piano on his back. I can’t help but think seeing him use his size to lay a devastating body check on an opponent would go a long way to motivating the rest of the troops to double down. If I’m DJ, I’m calling Kopitar into my office and imploring him to step out of his normal comfort zone, and play with a ferocity and nastiness that has never once been seen in the entirety of his career. If at least just for the final several games of his illustrious career.

Kopi has been done for a while. He’s out of gas and the tread is worn off the tires. He’s never looked slower. However he still has elite hockey IQ and will make the right pass/defensive play almost every time. He just doesn’t have the space to make the special plays in the offensive zone. That’s especially noticeable on the PP where Colorado plays an ultra aggressive PK.

All that to say I bet he scores in Game 3.

 

[DryKing]

Kopi has been done for a while. He’s out of gas and the tread is worn off the tires. He’s never looked slower. However he still has elite hockey IQ and will make the right pass/defensive play almost every time. He just doesn’t have the space to make the special plays in the offensive zone. That’s especially noticeable on the PP where Colorado plays an ultra aggressive PK.

All that to say I bet he scores in Game 3.

Let's hope he does score in Game 3.

He just looks mentally and physically toasted out there right now. I think the season-long farewell tour has caused more mental fatigue than anything, which is impacting him now. I'd guess he's carrying a few injuries too.

 

[DarkLeftHand]

Kopi has been done for a while. He’s out of gas and the tread is worn off the tires. He’s never looked slower. However he still has elite hockey IQ and will make the right pass/defensive play almost every time. He just doesn’t have the space to make the special plays in the offensive zone. That’s especially noticeable on the PP where Colorado plays an ultra aggressive PK.

All that to say I bet he scores in Game 3.

I agree. Which is exactly why I suggested that DJ pull him aside and say look, we know you don’t have the legs anymore but we need you to be the spirit animal of this team. Get out there and run someone down like a dog. Go out on your shield, like a fkkin champion.

 

[hokiecat]

All I could think every time Sammy and Joseph were banging bodies as the game went on was ****ing Hiller…

I genuinely believe DJ is getting the most out of this roster. Maybe it’s just a coincidence but it sure seems like this team plays a much different style and finally looks like they all give a **** under Smith vs. Hiller.

Still a bit too early to start talking about the offseason but if Kenny can find a way to get at least one above average puck mover to replace Edmundson, Ceci or Duomolin it’s going to fix so many 5v5 scoring issues.

That would be some elite moves by Kenny to undo the screwups he did last summer.

I agree with you that a puck-moving D would be a huge imrpovement. But our GM literally brought this situation upon himself my moving Spence for guys who would (allegedly) be better fits in the playoffs.

Kudos to DJ for a game plan and motivation which has the Kings playing great. That said, the talent deficit is too big and we'll be out in 5.

 

[hokiecat]

RE: Kopi
The guy is 38 years old! He's not scoring at close to a point per game pace like he did when he was younger. He still finished the regular season with the best +/- on the team hands down. He's still winning faceoffs and contributing in a lot of ways. I wish he'd be playing better in the series but I blame Blake and the Kings org for not developing a replacement. Ideally one of Kupari, Turc, and Byfield would have made a difference.

 

[ChiKingFan]

All I could think every time Sammy and Joseph were banging bodies as the game went on was ****ing Hiller…

The hitting last night made it arguably the most entertaining game of the season. Part of me wanted them to play like that all year, but part of me realizes that if they hit like that all year there’d be like three healthy guys left on the roster.

 

[Ice Rhino]

Kings are exactly where I thought they'd be after two games, but I've been pretty pleased with their play. Close, nail biting, enjoyable games. We're playing about as good of a game as I could hope, but the bottom line is that our roster doesn't compare to the AVs and that's on our management team.

If we win a game or two that's awesome and I'll be happy to watch another King's game this season. Other than that I just want Kopi to get some points. I'd LOVE to see the Kings take this series but I didn't go into it thinking that's a possibility.