Four years after writing my first hockey post, I find myself writing another Kings / Avs hockey game thread! Way back in 2009, both the Kings and Avs were fighting mediocrity. The Avs finished with 69 points while the Kings finished with 79 points. Since then the Avs have had one playoff season while the Kings are entering the 2012-2013 season as proud owners of the Stanley Cup.

In what is sure to be a wild ride, the Avs and Kings face off for the first of three games in this lockout-shortened, 48-game season. This is the Avs' home opener. They lost Game 1 of the season to the Minnesota Wild, 4-2. The Kings are also coming off a loss, having been pummeled by the Chicago Blackhawks at home, 5-2, on the night they raised their championship banner. With such a short season points will be at a premium. Thus the game should be exciting from the drop of the puck as both teams search for points.

After only one game not much to note from either team. The Kings offense struggled. Their top goal scorer from a year ago, Anze Kopitar, is currently sidelined with a knee injury. The Avs had seven penalties in their opening night and allowed two power play goals. Both teams hope to rebound. The Avs, since moving to Denver, have a 10-3-3 record on opening night. All in all, it will be nice to see the Boys in Burgundy back on the ice.