Scott Wedgewood Stops 24, Avalanche Survive Kings Onslaught in Game 1 Thriller

Scott Wedgewood was a brick wall between the pipes, and the Colorado Avalanche needed every single one of his 24 saves to escape Game 1 of their Western Conference first round matchup against the Los Angeles Kings on April 19. This wasn't some blowout. This was a white-knuckle playoff opener where Colorado had to dig in, weather a relentless Kings assault, and scratch out a win in the kind of games that define playoff runs.

Wedgewood's Wall

Twenty-four saves in a first-round playoff game is no accident. That's a goaltender standing tall when it matters most. Wedgewood made the saves he needed to make, kept Colorado in front, and gave his team a chance to steal Game 1 at home. In the playoffs, that's exactly what you want from your netminder on a night when the other team is throwing everything at you.

The Avalanche Keep It Together

Colorado held off the Kings to take the series opener. It wasn't always pretty, but it was effective. The Avalanche got the win at home, which is what you want heading into Game 2. In a best-of-seven series, stealing a game against a hungry opponent like LA is the kind of result that can shift momentum fast.

What's Next

The Avalanche and Kings are just getting started. Game 2 is looming, and Colorado will need to keep this intensity rolling. Wedgewood proved he can carry the load when asked. Now it's about staying locked in and protecting home ice as the series continues to unfold.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.