Kings at Avalanche: Preview & Who to Watch
TNT's Wednesday-night opener is a showcase of talent: the Colorado Avalanche, who set a franchise record with the Presidents' Trophy for the NHL's best regular-season record, host the Los Angeles Kings. It's the first step of a redemption tour after Colorado's dominant season ended in stunning fashion.
A record regular season, a shocking end
Colorado was the class of the league in the standings, winning the Presidents' Trophy with a franchise-record point total. But the playoffs were cruel: the Avalanche were swept in the Western Conference Final by the eventual runner-up Vegas Golden Knights. A team this talented — led by Nathan MacKinnon and Norris-caliber defenseman Cale Makar — will spend all season trying to prove the regular-season dominance can carry into the spring.
The Kings come calling
The Los Angeles Kings, a familiar Pacific Division foe, provide the first measuring stick. Games between these two are always physical, and opening against the Presidents' Trophy winners on national TV is a real early gauge of where L.A. stands.
Ones to Watch
Our picks below are informed opinion based on the facts above — not a crystal ball.
One of the two or three best forwards alive, on the roster that ran away with the regular season. If the Avs are going to answer last spring, it starts with MacKinnon.
A game-breaker from the back end who tilts the ice every shift. Watching Makar quarterback the Avalanche is worth the price of admission.
How to watch: the game airs on TNT (streaming on HBO Max). For every national window and how to follow the Avalanche, see our How to Watch the NHL in 2026-27 guide.
Full game details & how to watch →
Results and standings verified as of publication (Wednesday, July 29, 2026). "Ones to watch" are our opinion — see our Editorial Policy. Start times shown in US Eastern; on the schedule they convert to your local zone.