The Colorado Avalanche may be known for their star-studded roster, but it was their fourth line that quietly stole the spotlight in a hard-fought Game 1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

The NHL playoffs always bring a different challenge. All the small details will be noticed, and low-scoring affairs can be expected. The same thing happened in the Colorado Avalanche vs. the Los Angeles Kings Game on April 19, 2026 (Sunday). 

There were expectations from the Avalanche’s star players (top line), but the fourth line took all the spotlight in the game. Their 4th line consists of players like Joel Kiviranta, Drury, and O’Connor.

They helped the team build momentum and played a crucial role in a 2-1 victory. Strong defense, energy shifts, and depth players were the key contributors in the game. 

With the tight defensive game and strong goaltending, there was no goal scored in the first period. Artturi Lehkonen from the Colorado Avalanche scored the first goal at 15:29 in the 2nd period. 

Logan O’Connor scored an insurance goal at 05:50 in the 3rd period. The Kings scored a late goal, but that wasn’t enough to avoid defeat. 

The role of the fourth line is to bring energy, hits, and forechecking, and stability in the defensive zone. The Avalanche’s fourth line did a remarkable job, and also tired out the opponent. 

It shows that the depth makes a huge difference in the playoffs. Specifically, Logan O'Connor proved his worth with energy shifts and defensive reliability.

His physical presence was also useful for the Avalanche. He is making a comeback after the injury. O’Connor, who missed all but 13 games this season recovering from hip surgery. 

“It’s hard work and relentlessness” - Colorado Avalanche Coach on Fourth Line

The Colorado Avalanche coach, Jared Bednar, praised the team’s fourth line for its relentless effort. Their strong forechecking and spending most shifts in the offensive zone create momentum and impact. “It’s hard work and relentlessness,” Bednar said. 

“Every time they hit the ice, they’re giving it everything they got, and they’re playing to the identity of that line and of each other, and they made a huge impact."

"They spent the bulk of their time playing in the offensive zone and pursuing pucks. And I think that’s exactly what we need from them.”

The Avalanche will continue to count on their top line throughout the series. But Game One shows that it takes more than just star power to win a championship.

A team with good depth, discipline, and execution usually wins in the playoffs. If Colorado’s fourth line continues to perform with the same intensity and reliability, the Avalanche will remain a formidable contender throughout the postseason.

There are high expectations from the team as well because they also won the President’s Trophy. They finished with 119 points in the regular season.

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Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi