Avalanche Push Kings to Brink After Game 3 Win in Los Angeles
Date: April 24, 2026
By IceHockeyMan Newsroom
The Colorado Avalanche are now one win away from closing their Western Conference First Round series after a 4-2 road victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 3. Colorado leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 and has placed Los Angeles in a must-win survival position heading into Game 4.
This was not a blowout on the scoreboard, but it was another strong example of Colorado controlling the key playoff moments. The Avalanche received goals from Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar, Artturi Lehkonen and Brock Nelson, while Scott Wedgewood stopped 24 shots and gave Colorado the type of calm goaltending needed on the road.
Colorado Keeps Finding Different Ways to Score
The Avalanche opened the game with a fortunate but important bounce. Landeskog’s shot missed the net, came off the end boards, and ended up deflecting into the goal off Anton Forsberg. In playoff hockey, those early moments matter because they change the emotional rhythm of the game.
Los Angeles pushed back and eventually tied the game through Trevor Moore, who redirected a Quinton Byfield feed in the second period. That goal was especially important because it was the Kings’ first even-strength goal of the series. But even after finally breaking through at five-on-five, Los Angeles could not turn that moment into full control.
Cale Makar restored Colorado’s lead with a point shot through traffic, showing again why the Avalanche blue line is such a dangerous offensive layer. Later, Lehkonen scored short-handed after a broken 2-on-1 play, and Nelson finished the game with an empty-net goal.
Why the Kings Are Running Out of Time
The biggest concern for Los Angeles is not effort. The Kings have had strong stretches, they have created looks, and they have competed physically. The problem is efficiency. Through three games, their five-on-five offense has not created enough repeatable danger.
Against Colorado, two goals are rarely enough. The Avalanche can score through elite skill, point shots, transition pressure, special teams, net traffic and broken plays. Los Angeles has not matched that variety. When a team depends too heavily on isolated moments, every missed chance becomes heavier.
The Kings also missed the net too often in key stretches. In a playoff game where margins are tight, missed shots are not neutral events. They often become lost possession, lost pressure and transition risk the other way.
IHM Tactical Layer
Colorado is winning this series because its game has more layers. The Avalanche can attack off the rush, activate the defense, create traffic, and stay dangerous even when their top line is not the only source of offense. That is what separates a playoff contender from a team simply trying to survive shifts.
Los Angeles has structure, but right now that structure is not producing enough offensive threat. The Kings need more interior presence, more second-chance pressure and more clean puck movement below the circles. Too many of their attacks are ending before Colorado’s defensive shape truly breaks.
Coach Mark Comment
Coach Mark Lehtonen: Colorado is not just faster, they are more complete in how they attack. The key is that they do not need one perfect play to score. They create rebounds, screens, broken plays and defensive confusion. Los Angeles is competing, but they are not forcing Colorado to defend enough dangerous second and third actions around the slot.
Fan Pulse
Big question: Are the Kings losing this series because Colorado is simply too strong, or because Los Angeles has failed to create enough playoff-level offense?
Key Takeaways
Colorado leads the series 3-0.
The Avalanche can complete the sweep in Game 4.
Lehkonen was a major factor.
He produced a goal and an assist, including a short-handed goal in the third period.
Wedgewood gave Colorado stability.
His 24-save performance helped the Avalanche control the road-game script.
The Kings finally scored at even strength.
Moore’s goal was Los Angeles’ first even-strength goal of the series, but it was not enough.
Los Angeles needs more than good stretches.
The Kings must convert pressure into goals quickly or their season will end in Game 4.
Q&A: Avalanche vs Kings Game 3
What was the final score of Avalanche vs Kings Game 3?
Colorado defeated Los Angeles 4-2 in Game 3.
What is the series score between Avalanche and Kings?
Colorado leads the best-of-seven series 3-0.
Who scored for the Avalanche?
Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar, Artturi Lehkonen and Brock Nelson scored for Colorado.
Who scored for the Kings?
Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe scored for Los Angeles.
Why was Lehkonen’s goal important?
His short-handed goal gave Colorado a 3-1 lead in the third period and changed the pressure level of the game.
What is the biggest issue for the Kings?
Los Angeles is not generating enough consistent even-strength offense against Colorado’s structure.
Who started in goal for Colorado?
Scott Wedgewood started and made 24 saves.
When is Game 4?
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Los Angeles.
Can the Avalanche complete the sweep?
Yes. Colorado can eliminate Los Angeles with a win in Game 4.
What must the Kings change?
They need more net-front traffic, better shot accuracy, stronger second-chance pressure and more dangerous five-on-five offense.