​I think we will do open threads a little differently this year, now that the new SB Nation app offers real-time updates! We will still drop the need-to-knows here (lineups, where to watch/listen, etc.), but we’ll keep it brief early and update as the game progresses!It’s been 127 days since the Colorado Avalanche last played meaningful hockey, but their long-awaited return is finally here as they welcome the Los Angeles Kings to Ball Arena in Downtown Denver for regular-season game one, fresh off a Jared Bednar contract extension!Colorado Avalanche: 0-0-0The Opponent: Los Angeles Kings (0-0-0)Time: 8:00 p.m. MTWatch: TNT, truTV, HBO MAXListen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FMColorado AvalancheIt’s an exciting time of year for every fanbase, and with another year of Stanley Cup aspirations, Colorado Avalanche fans enter the season with anticipation and expectation, hoping they can get closer to a fourth cup than they did last season. Projected Lineup:Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin NecasGabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Nazem KadriJaden Schwartz — Fedor Svechkov — T.J. HughesParker Kelly — Nicolas RoyDevon Toews — Cale MakarBrett Kulak — Sam MalinskiJosh Manson — Brent BurnsNoah JuulsenMacKenzie BlackwoodScott WedgewoodLos Angeles KingsIt’s a bit ironic that the Avalanche and Kings meet to start the season, as the Avalanche dispatched the Kings in a four-game sweep during the first round of the 2025-26 playoffs. LA struggled to put the puck in the back of the net last year and hopes they addressed that in the offseason by adding forwards Mats Zuccarello, Erik Haula, and Scott Laughton.Projected Lineup:Artemi Panarin — Quinton Byfield — Adrian KempeMats Zuccarello — Alex Turcotte — Alex LaferriereTrevor Moore — Scott Laughton — Erik HaulaAndre Lee — Samuel Helenius — Joel ArmiaErik Gustafsson — Brandt ClarkeBrian Dumoulin — Drew DoughtyMikey Anderson — Cody CeciDarcy KuemperAnton ForsbergNOTE: Don’t forget to download the new SB Nation app for a more mobile-friendly way to follow tonight’s action and engage with Mile High Hockey’s match threads. Commenting and interacting with your communities is easier than ever before with the Game Chat feature. The app is available currently in the U.S. and Canada on iOS and Android devices.