What DJ Smith expects from Kings after crushing Game 1 loss

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway, and the Los Angeles Kings have begun their quest for a third Stanley Cup in franchise history. Unfortunately, that quest got off to a rough start on Sunday afternoon. The Kings fell in Game 1 of the first round to the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche.

The Kings and Avalanche played a rather close game. However, it was Colorado who skated victorious by the score of 2-1. The Avs hold a 1-0 series advantage with this win. And they have a chance to sweep the first two games at home in Game 2.

Interim Kings coach DJ Smith liked what he saw from his team, for the most part. He thought they played with intensity. And they didn’t let a high-powered Avalanche team walk all over them. However, there are some things he wishes to see once Game 2 rolls around.

“We gotta be more physical, we gotta hit their D more. I expect that in the next game,” Smith said, via Avalanche beat reporter Aarif Deen.

The Kings got a late goal from trade pickup Artemi Panarin in this contest. However, they were unable to solve goaltender Scott Wedgewood for most of the game. Los Angeles took 25 shots, and Wedgewood turned aside 24 of them.

Smith’s declaration for more physicality is an interesting one. The Kings delivered the majority of the hits, with Los Angeles out-hitting them 49-35. In the end, however, it made no true difference.

The Kings have to dig themselves out of an early hole. For now, though, they have time to figure things out. Los Angeles and Colorado hit the ice for Game 2 on Tuesday at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

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