Colorado

Avalanche vs. Kings Game 2: Key takeaways as Colorado wins OT thriller, takes 2-0 series lead

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Avalanche vs. Kings Game 2: Key takeaways as Colorado wins OT thriller, takes 2-0 series lead

DENVER — When getting good looks but failing to finish against a locked-in goalie, it’s not easy to stick to a game plan. But instead of pressing, Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar’s group showed maturity, even after the Los Angeles Kings’ Artemi Panarin scored what could’ve been a back-breaking first goal of Game 2 late in the third period.

Captain Gabriel Landeskog buried a perfect pass from Martin Nečas three minutes after Panarin scored. Then Nicolas Roy scored the game-winner, giving Colorado a 2-1 win and 2-0 series lead.

“I liked our mentality again tonight,” Bednar said, adding that he was pleased with his team’s defensive effort. “That’s how we have to win. It’s good practice. It’s something we’ve been talking about all year, the importance of defending, and I’m happy with the commitment that we’re getting from our guys.”

The Avalanche led the league in goals scored this season, but they also were stingy defensively, allowing fewer goals than any other team. Through two games, they’ve shown a willingness to play tight-checking, low-scoring games and get the results they need.

“We have absolutely no problem playing this way,” said Landeskog, who scored from the slot after Nečas caught the previously-impenetrable Anton Forsberg out of position and set his captain up for an open look. “If you get a little impatient with it, you start forcing plays. And I thought tonight, we just kind of kept it going. Kept trusting our forecheck, and finally, we ended up getting rewarded for it.”

Colorado has controlled the series at five-on-five. The Kings’ only two goals have come on power plays, and Colorado had 79.05 percent of the expected goal share at five-on-five Tuesday, per Natural Stat Trick.

It was an odd night that included a broken glass delay, a choppy first period and a waved-off goal after a puck got lodged in the side of the net. Let’s dig into all of it.

Roy plays hero

With goalie Patrick Roy and forward Peter Forsberg’s retired numbers hanging in the Ball Arena rafters, it was probably a bit disorienting seeing a Roy score on a Forsberg in overtime. But that’s what happened when trade deadline addition Nic Roy backhanded a loose puck past Anton Forsberg’s left pad, punched the air and jumped into the glass in celebration.

The goal was Roy’s second overtime goal in his career. He scored the Game 4 winner for the Vegas Golden Knights in their 2021 conference final series against Montreal. That goal also came at the net-front.

“I like to be in (that) area, and a lot of those (overtime) goals are scored there,” Roy said. “So I try to be there as much as I can.”

“He’s a really smart player,” Nathan MacKinnon said. “It might not be everyone’s first pick (to score), but it takes a full team to win in the playoffs.”

Josh Manson fired a shot from the point to create chaos around the net ahead of Roy’s goal, and Bednar also credited Nazem Kadri with making a slick play to get the puck to his defenseman.

Physicality and a penalty parade define the first

D.J. Smith didn’t quite get his exact wish of his players hitting Colorado’s defensemen more in the first half of the first period, but he did get big hits. Shortly after Colorado’s Josh Manson laid a massive body check on Scott Laughton, Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson hit Martin Nečas in the neutral zone, seemingly catching him in the head.

Nečas went down, bloodied, and chaos ensued. Brett Kulak went after Anderson. Scrums broke out next to the Kings net. Sam Malinski brought down Quinton Byfield, and Mathieu Joseph did the same to Artturi Lehkonen. Anderson did not get a penalty for the hit, though he and Kulak were handed matching roughing minors. Kulak got an extra penalty for a cross check. (Nečas briefly left the game, presumably because he was pulled by a concussion spotter, but returned.)

“There were big hits,” Bednar said. “We gave some. We took some too, but it’s all right. That’s what’s going to happen this time of the year. You’re playing a big, strong, physical team, and sometimes I like it. Can wake some guys up if they’re not going, and you can ramp up your competitive spirit.”

It was the most dramatic stretch of a rugged first period that included seven minor penalties. The string of infractions slowed some of the momentum Colorado gathered from a furious start. The Avalanche led 9-0 in shots through the first 6:04. The period ended with Colorado leading 14-6 in shots.

After Anderson’s hit, scrums broke out after seemingly every whistle. At one point Jeff Malott caught Cale Makar with an elbow. Nečas also took a chance to hit Anderson toward the end of the period.

“There were a bunch of melees on the ice today,” Bednar said. “It felt like playoff hockey, which is the way you want it to feel. It tests your team, and it’s why it’s the most fun time of the year to play in the playoffs.”

In total, the period took around 45 minutes. The Kings got big saves from Anton Forsberg, allowing them to stay in the game and shift it into a rugged style that favored them, at least temporarily. It wasn’t enough in the end.

“To a man, this team’s playing hard,” Kings coach D.J. Smith added. “We have to find a way to win, though.”

Goalies continue strong start to the series

Darcy Kuemper started the year as Kings starter, but Anton Forsberg became their go-to goalie during their late-season playoff push. He has continued his strong play into the first round. In Game 1, he made 30 saves on 32 shots. He was sharp again Tuesday, helping the Kings withstand Colorado’s early onslaught of shots. Colorado gave him a tough look early in the second. Kadri fed Landeskog on the slot, and Forsberg managed to parry it away. Late in the second, he got in front of turnaround shots from both Lehkonen and Nathan MacKinnon. The Avalanche eventually beat him in the third when he overcommitted to Nečas, who instead passed to Landeskog in the slot.

He finished the night with 34 saves. He wasn’t quite able to make a 35th, giving up the game-winner to Roy.

“We’re right there, playing well,” Forsberg said. “We’re fighting hard. We just have to stick with it and turn this around.”

Across the ice, Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves. Panarin beat him with a dangerous shot from the slot for the lone goal he allowed in regulation, but overall he continued to give Colorado the dependable goaltending expected of him. His highlight came when he stopped Quinton Byfield on a penalty shot. He robbed Byfield again in overtime, making a glove save on a shot off the rush.

A penalty, a penalty shot and a long wait

Jeff Malott took an ill-advised boarding penalty on Artturi Lehkonen in one of many instances of the Kings’ fourth line toeing the line of too much physicality. The Avalanche were in position to gain the lead — or at least some momentum — but Cale Makar mishandled a puck at the blue line, leading to a Quinton Byfield breakaway. Makar got called for a hook as he raced back to catch the forward, and the referees awarded a penalty shot.

Byfield tried to beat Wedgewood glove side, but the goalie made the save. The crowd erupted in excitement, but that came with an unexpected drawback. Fans banged on the glass behind the Kings’ bench, and a pane of it shattered. Kings coach D.J. Smith got smothered with shards. It caused a 19-minute stoppage for clean up.

If the Wedgewood save was going to serve as momentum for the Avalanche power play, the delay stopped that. Nathan MacKinnon got called for interference on Alex Laferriere shortly after play resumed.

“I think the flow would kind of come and go a little bit,” MacKinnon said. “Not ideal with the glass, but it was the same for both teams.”

“They just handled it better coming out of that,” Bednar added.

MacKinnon and Bednar both felt the Avalanche were able to push the pace more in the second half of the second period.

Another waved-off goal

Sam Malinski fired a shot toward the net to start the third period. It got caught in the side of the net, but not on the inside. Malinski thought he scored, and the goal horn went off. After review, though, it was clear the puck was lodged on the side of the cage.

It was the second Avalanche goal waved off in as many games. Logan O’Connor had a goal waved off for goaltender interference last game.

Panarin shows why Kings traded for him

The Kings acquired Artemi Panarin from the Rangers to bring a gamebreaking offensive talent into a lineup that lacked it. He validated their trust late in the third period. He played his normal shift with the top power-play unit, then stayed on with the second grouping. Trevor Moore found him with a pass in the slot, and he buried it.

Colorado’s top skilled players had more chances than Los Angeles’, but Panarin came through when he got his best look of the night. He also scored the Kings’ only goal of Game 1.

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Southern Colorado farmers’ market season is here

Published

14 hours ago

April 21, 2026

Press Room

Southern Colorado farmers’ market season is here

(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — Spring brings the first fresh produce, which means it will soon be time for farmers’ markets to kick off around the area.

For those in Southern Colorado who want to buy their products from local vendors and growers, check out the list below.

North Colorado Springs

Western Museum of Mining and Industry

225 North Gate Boulevard, near the I-25 exit
Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Runs from May through September

Briargate Farmers Market

7610 North Union Boulevard, near Briargate Boulevard
Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Runs from May 27 through Sept. 30

Cordera

11894 Grandlawn Circle, near Briargate Parkway and North Union Boulevard
Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Runs from May 24 through Sept. 6

Colorado Farm and Art Market

7350 Pine Creek Road, near East Woodmen Road and I-25
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Runs from June 20 through Oct. 17

Banning Lewis Ranch at Vista Park

8833 Vista Del Pico Boulevard, near Dublin Boulevard and Marksheffel Road
Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Runs from May 28 through Aug. 27

Backyard Market in Black Forest

6845 Shoup Road, near Black Forest Road
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Runs from May 23 through Oct. 17

South Colorado Springs

Colorado Farm and Art Market

132 West Cimarron Street, at the corner of Sierra Madre Street, Downtown
Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Runs from June 17 through Oct. 21

Old Colorado City Farmers Market

Bancroft Park at West Colorado Avenue and South 24th Street in Old Colorado City
Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Runs from June 6 through Oct. 17

Colorado Springs Sunday Market

Acacia Park 115 East Platte Avenue, Downtown
Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Runs from May 10 through Oct. 25

Southeast Farmer’s Market

2050 Jet Wing Drive, near Chelton Road
Sundays from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m.
Runs from June 14 through Oct. 11

Fountain

Fountain Community Market

Metcalfe Park, 618 East Ohio Avenue, near Fountain Mesa Road
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Runs from May 30 through Sept. 26

Woodland Park

Woodland Park Farmers Market

At Memorial Park, 117 Center Avenue, near East Lake Avenue
Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Runs from June through September

Pueblo

Pueblo Farmers Market

Mineral Palace Park, 1604 North Santa Fe Avenue, at West 15th Street
Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon
Runs from May 2 through Oct. 31

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Colorado

Thornton marks 70 years: Exhibit traces Colorado city’s roots from developer’s dream to thriving suburb

Published

1 day ago

April 21, 2026

Press Room

Thornton marks 70 years: Exhibit traces Colorado city’s roots from developer’s dream to thriving suburb

Seventy years ago, a housing developer looked at an empty stretch of land north of Denver and saw the future. What Sam Hoffman built there became the city of Thornton — and a free public exhibit is now telling that story for the first time in a generation.

CBS Colorado is excited to shine the spotlight on Thornton, as Colorado marks 150 years as a state.

“The history of Thornton is really the history of suburbia,” said Lance Jones, the historian and curator of the city’s 70th anniversary exhibit. “Thornton was planned. Thornton was intentionally created as a city.”

City of Thornton

Hoffman, Jones explained, recognized an opportunity in the postwar boom. “He realized the Denver Metro area was going to really explode and he wanted in on the ground floor,” Jones said. To sell his 5,000 planned homes, Hoffman turned to an unlikely marketing asset — Hollywood.

Three of his employees happened to be the brothers of Jane Russell, one of the biggest film stars in America at the time. “She was an A-list actress. I mean, she was really top of the game,” Jones said. Hoffman asked the brothers if their sister might make an appearance, and she agreed.

“One day in 1954, his grand opening celebration, she came out. And a lot of people came out to see her — big, big crowd,” Jones said. “Thousands of people showed up to see her, to get a glimpse, to take a picture.” Russell would return to Thornton more than three decades later, appearing at the opening of the Thornton Parkway interchange in 1986.

The homes Russell helped promote were advertised at $9,950, with a down payment for GI’s of $532.30 and a monthly mortgage of $65. Jones noted those were not trivial sums for working families of the era. “That represented a big chunk of the average person’s paycheck. People would have to save up for that,” Jones said.

A Denver Post clipping from Jan. 31, 1954, on display at the exhibit, documents the arrival of the city’s first residents. “This is one of the first families in Thornton moving in,” Jones said. “This was a unique thing. They created the city. It just sprang from nothing.”

By 1956, residents had established enough civic infrastructure to pursue formal incorporation. “There were a lot of civic organizations, a lot of clubs, a lot of veterans organizations — it was a big joiner kind of town,” Jones said. “And, eventually, in 1956, they were able to get incorporated.”

That civic spirit, Jones argued, never left. “The culture here in Thornton kind of developed from that. It’s still a city with a lot of civic involvement, a lot of events, a lot of cohesion.”

Loretta Garcia, the first person born in the City of Thornton in 1956.

City of Thornton

The exhibit highlights several residents whose stories reflect the city’s early character. Among the artifacts is a cheerleading uniform that belonged to Loretta Garcia — the first baby born in Thornton after its incorporation. She and the city share the same milestone birthday. “Thornton is 70, and so is she,” Jones said. Garcia was delivered at home on Rowena Street because the trip to a Denver hospital was considered too far. “The doctor came up here and delivered her at home.”

Another featured resident is Norma Ellman, a Thornton High School teacher, who in 1956 traveled to California to compete on a CBS game show called “High Finance.” She won the equivalent of what Jones estimates would be more than $1 million today. The victory was significant enough that the mayor authorized Ellman to present the show’s host with a key to the city of Thornton.

Jones said the exhibit is designed to connect newer residents with the people who built the community, noting that from its earliest days Thornton had a strong Hispanic presence that continues today alongside a growing diversity of other ethnicities.

“The younger people really do need to hear from the folks who made Thornton, Thornton,” Jones said. “You have to know where we came from to know where we’re going.”

The 70th anniversary exhibit is free and open to the public at the Thornton Arts and Culture Annex. Visit this page for days and hours.

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Colorado

Is Elitch Gardens open? Your guide to Colorado amusement parks

Published

2 days ago

April 20, 2026

Press Room

Is Elitch Gardens open? Your guide to Colorado amusement parks

Last year, the buzz around Elitch Gardens was that 2025 could have been its last year — or at least the last year at its current site near Ball Arena.

But a June property deal gave sole ownership of the park’s land to Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the arena, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche and other assets. That deal seemed to save Elitch Gardens at its current location for the immediate future, although the specter of a wrecking ball still looms.

Here’s a look at what Colorado’s amusement parks, water parks, fun centers and other activities have to offer in 2026.

Elitch Gardens in Denver

Colorado’s oldest amusement park kicked off its 136^th year April 18 and has new events and activities planned for 2026.

Where: Downtown Denver

When it’s open: It opened for the season on April 18. Hours can vary and the most up-to-date information can be found online at its website.

Can’t miss rides: The park boasts multiple roller coasters, including Twister III, a 4,640-foot wooden coaster featuring a 90-foot drop and a pitch black tunnel. The attraction was listed as temporarily unavailable as of April 20, but other roller coasters include the Mind Eraser, Boomerang and Sidewinder.

Tickets and season passes: A day pass can run as much as $72.99, although discounts can often be found. Season passes start at $84.99, with multiple tiers of perks, with discounts sometimes available. Kids age 2 and younger get in free. Get more season pass information online

More information: elitchgardens.com

Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver

The low-cost alternative to Elitch Gardens is still finalizing plans for the 2026 season, but will be up and running for its 119th year in the same location.

Where: Denver

When it’s open: Lakeside has yet to announce an opening day but typically opens for weekends starting in mid-May before moving to a six-day-a-week schedule (no Tuesdays) from early June through mid-August. It usually closes out the season with weekends-only admission into September. Hours can also vary, so call Lakeside at 303-477-1621 to confirm hours before going.

Can’t miss rides: A smaller park, Lakeside has classic rides such as the Scrambler and the Tilt-A-Whirl. Its roller coasters include the Pinfari and Chipmunk. There’s no update on if its landmark coaster, the Cyclone, will reopen after nearly four years of sitting idle.

Tickets: 2026 pricing has not been announced yet.

More information: www.lakesideamusementpark.com

Glennwood Caverns Adventure Park near Glenwood Springs

The highest amusement park in the land, Glenwood Caverns sits at more than 7,100 feet elevation and offers both rides and chances to explore.

Where: On top of Iron Mountain

When it’s open: It has year-round operations, with all rides slated to open on May 1. The schedule is lighter outside of the summer. Its online schedule shows the park open every day from May 13 through Sept. 7, with hours stretching from 9 am. to 7 p.m. for much of that time before it starts mixing in off-days again.

Can’t miss rides: A gondola ride to the top of Iron Mountain has been a staple of the park dating to its founding, and its alpine coaster back down and cave tours all plays to its unique location. Not all rides are open every day and the harsh weather common on Colorado mountaintops can shut some attractions down, so check the weather and the website before going.

Tickets: Single-day advance tickets start at $32.99 for just gondola rides up Iron Mountain, ranging up to $62.99 for a Fun Day ticket that includes access to two cave tours, alpine coaster and other attractions on the mountaintop. Through April 30, local residents can get free annual gondola passes and a $63 discount on annual thrill passes. Annual passes without the discount are $157 for adults and $147 for children.

More information: www.glenwoodcaverns.com

North Pole – Santa’s Workshop near Colorado Springs

Experience the magic of Santa and the North Pole as early as the spring at this park on Pikes Peak.

Where: Cascade

When it’s open: May 16 marks the return of Santa and the reopening of the shops and rides. The park will be open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. into the fall, according to its website. From Oct. 28 through Dec. 24, it is slated to typically be open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Holiday week schedules can be different and weather could cause the park to close.

Can’t miss rides: The park was built for little kids, with some rides gentle enough to bring an infant on. The Candy Cane Coaster is a right-sized first coaster for preschooler, while the 60-foot high Ferris wheel gives great views of the park.

Tickets: During the summer and fall, admission to the park is free. To ride rides, purchase an all-access wristband at the park for $38 for those ages 3 to 59. Military family members and seniors can receive discounts in the spring and summer. From Oct. 28 through Dec. 24, all visitors age 3 and up entering must pay a yet-to-be-announced admission fee, which includes unlimited rides, and reservations will be required on peak days for individuals. Season passes are available, with some blackout dates.

More information: northpolecolorado.com

Water World near Denver

One of the nation’s top-rated water parks, Water World’s updates in the off-season includes its new Summit Canyon area with new waterslides and a toddler splash area.

Where: Federal Heights

When it’s open: Season starts May 23. Park hours are typically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., although Summit Canyon will be open to 6 p.m. and special events could alter hours.

Can’t miss rides: The park has more than 50 attractions across 70 acres, including the Mile High Flyer water coaster, the Voyage to the Center of the Earth waterslide and Water World’s lazy river. All were recognized in 2025 in the USA TODAY 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards in their respective categories.

Tickets: Advance single-day tickets for any day the park is open are $53.99 for people 48 inches and taller and $48.99 for those shorter, with discounts for tickets bought for specific days. A full season Splash Pass starts at $144.99 for people under 48 inches and $154.99 for people 48 inches and taller, with prices going up to add perks like discounts and meal plans. Guests under 40 inches always receive free admission.

More information: waterworldcolorado.com

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City

There is no shortage of ways to experience the beauty of one of Colorado’s most famous landmarks. Some are tame and one gives a unique thrill.

Where: Cañon City

When it’s open: Weather permitting, the park is open year round. The visitor’s center is typically open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and rides typically open at 10 a.m.

Can’t miss rides: The world’s highest suspension bridge is awe-inspiring on its own, and the aerial gondola gives stunning views, but the Royal Rush Skycoaster — which dangles riders 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River — can really get the heart pumping.

Tickets: General admission purchased in advance online is $34.95 for ages 12 and up and $29.95 for kids ages 3 to 11. There are additional fees for the Zipline, Skycoaster or Via Ferrata. A one-year pass is $80 for kids 3 to 11, $90 for ages 12 and up and $260 for a family of four. Discounts on season passes are available for Colorado residents through April 30.

More information: royalgorgebridge.com

Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs

The chain of hotels with their own indoor waterparks has one location in Colorado, offering guests access to waterslides and other entertainment under the same roof as their hotel.

When it’s open: Year-round. Hours vary.

Can’t miss rides: You can spin through the six-story funnel of the Howlin’ Tornado, stand up to the lapping waves of the Slap Tail Pond and race your family in the Mountain Edge Raceway.

Tickets: Rates for day passes and rooms vary greatly, so interested vacationers should look online. Deep discounts are easy to find.

More information: greatwolf.com/colorado-springs

Ski towns

With ski season largely over, many of Colorado’s ski towns are getting ready to start their summer activities. While they do not have full-fledged amusement parks, many of the ski resorts offer mountain coasters, alpine slides and other attractions to keep people entertained in the summer. Check out the options at Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Keystone, Purgatory, Steamboat, Vail and Winter Park long after the snow has melted.