Avalanche take 3-0 lead with 4-2 Game 3 win
PUBLISHED Apr 24, 2026, 1:20 AM ET
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Los Angeles — The Colorado Avalanche beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena, taking a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round series. Artturi Lehkonen scored a shorthanded goal and assisted another, while Scott Wedgewood stopped 26 shots as Colorado closed out Game 3. The victory gives Colorado momentum and sets the Avalanche to attempt a series sweep Sunday afternoon; Los Angeles scored on a late power play through Adrian Kempe but still trailed after Brock Nelson added an empty-netter. Coaches, goaltenders and officials were recorded in the official boxscore, and attendance was listed at 18,145.
By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Regular season: Colorado finished as Presidents' Trophy winners; Wedgewood led NHL in .921 save percentage and 2.02 GAA (regular season).
- Game 1 and Game 2 (earlier in series): Colorado won the first two games to take a 2-0 lead (dates not specified in articles).
- Thursday, Game 3 at Crypto.com Arena: Colorado defeated Los Angeles 4-2, with Lehkonen scoring shorthanded and Nelson adding an empty-net goal.
- Postgame boxscore released: shots (Colorado 23, Los Angeles 26), goalies Wedgewood (26 saves) and Forsberg (19 saves), attendance ~18,145.
- Upcoming: Colorado will attempt to complete a sweep in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon (date not specified).
News Intelligence
- If you're a Colorado Avalanche fan, this is a thrilling time. The team's on a roll, dominating the series. It's a testament to their hard work and skill. If you're a Kings fan, it's a tough pill to swallow. But remember, it's not over until it's over. Tune in on Sunday to show your support.
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The Colorado Avalanche benefited most immediately: the 4-2 victory gave them a 3-0 series lead and momentum and positioned them to attempt a sweep in Game 4.
The Los Angeles Kings suffered a significant setback: the loss left them trailing 3-0 in the first-round series and facing potential elimination in Game 4.
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Avalanche take 3-0 lead with 4-2 Game 3 win
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