Colorado dominated the season opener, powering past Los Angeles 4-1 behind second-period strikes from Necas, Malinski and Lehkonen, with Necas adding again in the third. Kopitar’s farewell tour got a ceremonial kickoff but produced little on the ice, registering one shot in 18 minutes as the Kings face a rough start under a retooled front office. LA’s late push produced a lone Fiala power-play goal to spoil the shutout attempt.

The night underscored the Avalanche’s edge and the Kings’ need to rebound under Ken Holland’s first-year rebuild. It also highlighted Kopitar’s enduring legacy and the tension between timing of a legendary career and a franchise seeking fresh momentum.