A young Brock Nelson was a \u201cbig fan\u201d of Anze Kopitar and the way he plays. He no doubt admires the Kings captain.<\/p>\n
Most of the time.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot too much of a fan right now,\u201d Nelson joked after Avalanche practice on Monday.<\/p>\n
Nelson and his line, which includes Valeri Nichushkin and Parker Kelly, look like they will be tasked with going head-to-head with the top line for the Kings, which consists of Kopitar, Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe. The Avalanche move Nelson around occasionally for matchups, putting him on a line with Nathan MacKinnon if there\u2019s an offensive zone face-off they can take advantage of. But for the most part, he\u2019s their shut-down guy.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/04_19_26-avs-kings-06336-1024x572.jpg\")
Los Angeles Kings left wing Artemi Panarin (10) takes a shot on goal as Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and center Brock Nelson (11) defend during the second period Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)<\/p>\n
In Colorado\u2019s 2-1 win in Game 1, Nelson mostly matched up with the trio of Kopitar, Kempe and Panarin at even strength. Nelson either broke even or was close to breaking even in every major statistic against that trio, including the most important one: zero goals for, zero against.<\/p>\n
Sure, the Avalanche would love if their second line created some offense, pinning the Kings top line in their own end as much as possible. But they\u2019ll take that stat line, knowing their other lines are capable of winning their matchups outright. Nelson scored 33 goals this season, so he\u2019s more than capable of creating offense, but he was also Jared Bednar\u2019s matchup guy.<\/p>\n
So in that sense, not a lot has changed for Nelson\u2019s line.<\/p>\n
\u201c(Defense) should be (emphasized) for sure, no matter who you\u2019re going out there against,\u201d Nelson said. \u201cGoing against those guys, tons of skill and high-end talent, so trying to stay patient offensively and being responsible. You don\u2019t want to give them any free pucks by trying to force things to generate offense. Just try to stay tight-checking and stay patient that you\u2019ll get your looks and create turnovers, and just try not to give them too much.\u201d<\/p>\n
As has been the case all season, Nelson will be attached at the hip with Nichushkin during the playoffs. The two play together at even strength, on the penalty kill and now on the power play. They\u2019re even stall-mates at the Avalanche practice facility. For all we know, they might be able to finish each other\u2019s sentences at this point.<\/p>\n
Nichushkin didn\u2019t create much offense in Game 1, but he did make life miserable for the Kings\u2019 defensemen and forwards all over the ice.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/04_19_26-avs-kings-06740-2-1024x835.jpg\")
Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) scores against Los Angeles Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) during the second period Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s just so well-rounded,\u201d Nelson said of his linemate. \u201cHe does a little bit of everything. Size, speed, skill, tenacious forecheck. He\u2019s physical. He\u2019s responsible defensively, obviously one of the better (penalty killers). We go out there a lot together and easy guy to read off and support\u2026if he doesn\u2019t get on the scoresheet, he still can make a pretty big impact on the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Practice notes<\/p>\n
The Avalanche held an optional skate, with only a few regulars taking part in it. They rarely practiced during the regular season, so don\u2019t expect that to change in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
Bednar said he had \u201ctough decisions\u201d to make for Game 1 with a fully healthy forward group, which meant Ross Colton was a healthy scratch. That\u2019s the first time Colton has been a healthy scratch in Denver. The coach said special teams played a role in that decision, but the message to Colton was simple. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to stay ready and be ready to come in and keep an eye closely on the series so you know what\u2019s going on, and be ready to make an impact when you get an opportunity because there\u2019s no doubt it\u2019s going to come,\u201d Bednar said.<\/p>\n
The Avalanche won\u2019t announce lineup choices prior to game day, but despite Scott Wedgewood\u2019s great performance in Game 1, don\u2019t be surprised if it\u2019s Mackenzie Blackwood in net for Game 2. \u201cYou need to rely on both guys and I think we\u2019re in a good position to be able to do that,\u201d Bednar said.<\/p>\n
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