The Los Angeles Kings faced a disappointing defeat against the Colorado Avalanche, losing 5-2 on December 30, 2025, at Ball Arena in Denver. This marks the Kings’ third loss in four games, bringing their season record to 16-13-9. Following a convincing victory over the Anaheim Ducks, the Kings struggled to maintain their momentum, allowing the Avalanche to secure the season series with their second win over Los Angeles.
The Avalanche took control early in the game, with Jack Drury scoring in the opening period to establish a 1-0 lead. Kings goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made crucial saves, preventing the Kings from finding the net during the first 20 minutes. The tide shifted in the second period when Corey Perry equalized for Los Angeles with a power-play goal, marking his second of the season.
As the game progressed, Colorado responded effectively. Goals from Martin Necas and Brock Nelson propelled the Avalanche to a 3-1 lead. Goaltender Anton Forsberg, who has stepped up in the absence of injured Darcy Kuemper, faced 25 shots, saving 21 and maintaining a record of 6-6-3 this season. Forsberg’s performance keeps him competitive, although he allowed five goals, just shy of his season high.
Los Angeles managed to narrow the gap early in the third period when Joel Armia scored his ninth goal of the year. This goal also highlighted Armia’s exceptional skill, as it was his league-leading fourth shorthanded score this season. With this achievement, he joins a select group of Kings players who have scored four or more shorthanded goals within the first 38 games of a season.
In a notable individual milestone, Kings captain Anze Kopitar played in his 1,488th career game, surpassing Wayne Gretzky for the 27th most games played in NHL history. This game also marked his final regular-season appearance at Ball Arena, adding a layer of significance to the loss.
With the year coming to a close, the Kings will host the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 1, 2026. The Lightning, currently holding a record of 22-13-3 and ranking second in the Atlantic Division, present a formidable challenge for Los Angeles. The puck drop for this highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for 16:00 PT. The Kings will aim to regain their offensive form against a team known for its strong defensive play, having allowed the third-fewest goals in the league so far this season.
