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La Kings

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Kings Seek Home-Ice Edge as Playoff Chess Intensifies in Game 3
sports1 month ago

Kings Seek Home-Ice Edge as Playoff Chess Intensifies in Game 3

LA hosts Colorado in Game 3 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena, aiming to rebound after two road losses and narrow the series to 2-1. Forsberg is expected to start in goal as the Kings lean on home-ice matchup advantages, with coach D.J. Smith prioritizing line matchups against Colorado’s top players. Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe are highlighted to contribute more offensively, and there may be lineup tweaks (potential Kuzmenko inclusion) after warmups. The game represents a pivotal step to regain momentum and avoid falling behind 3-0.

Kings' Calgary finale sets up wild playoff puzzle
sports1 month ago

Kings' Calgary finale sets up wild playoff puzzle

The Los Angeles Kings wrap up the 2025-26 regular season with a road game at Calgary (Game 82) that will help determine their first-round opponent and home-ice status. A number of scenarios remain, with possible opponents Colorado, Edmonton, or Anaheim, depending on tonight’s results. Los Angeles plans to ice a full lineup, with Forsberg starting in goal; Kopitar will play what is billed as his final regular-season game, and Adrian Kempe continues to pace late-season scoring as the team seeks momentum into the postseason.

LA Kings Lock In Fifth Straight Playoff Berth, Eyes Postseason Run
sports1 month ago

LA Kings Lock In Fifth Straight Playoff Berth, Eyes Postseason Run

The Los Angeles Kings clinched their fifth consecutive playoff berth by defeating Seattle 3-1, joining the San Jose Sharks in securing the 2026 postseason as the NHL’s 16th and final qualifier. With two remaining games at Vancouver and Calgary, LA can reach up to 93 points and could still shift seeding, though they cannot win the Pacific Division. Potential Round 1 opponents include Colorado, Edmonton, Anaheim, or Utah, with the exact matchup and schedule to be determined in the coming days. Kopitar remains in his final NHL season as the team heads toward the playoffs.

Kings Start Fresh as Connors Debuts Against NHL-Leading Avs
sports2 months ago

Kings Start Fresh as Connors Debuts Against NHL-Leading Avs

The Los Angeles Kings host the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche with interim coach D.J. Smith hoping to spark a club that snapped a skid. Kenny Connors makes his NHL debut tonight; Trevor Moore is out with illness, and Doughty and Armia are out or questionable with injuries. Darcy Kuemper is not expected to play, with Erik Portillo recalled to back up Anton Forsberg. The Kings will need a stronger offensive push and solid defense to challenge Colorado and capitalize on home-ice opportunity.

Kings overhaul: D.J. Smith named interim head coach after Hiller’s dismissal
sports2 months ago

Kings overhaul: D.J. Smith named interim head coach after Hiller’s dismissal

The Los Angeles Kings fired head coach Jim Hiller and named associate coach D.J. Smith the interim head coach, with former defenseman Matt Greene joining as an assistant for the remainder of the season. GM Ken Holland described the move as a needed ‘jolt’ after a disappointing stretch that included an 8-1 loss to Edmonton following the Olympic break, despite some prior optimism with the addition of Artemi Panarin. With 23 games left and only a few points out of a playoff spot, the franchise hopes a fresh voice and a few tactical tweaks can spark a turnaround, though further changes may be necessary.

Panarin Debut Sparks Kings’ Return Clash With Vegas
sports3 months ago

Panarin Debut Sparks Kings’ Return Clash With Vegas

post-Olympic break preview: the LA Kings host the Vegas Golden Knights in a Pacific Division showdown as Artemi Panarin makes his Kings debut. Mikey Anderson and Alex Turcotte are expected to be activated from injured reserve and available tonight, while Doughty, Armia and Kuemper are set to return or dress for the Kings, with Forsberg likely getting the start in goal. Vegas is missing Jack Eichel and Noah Hanafin and has several Olympians TBD, creating a prime chance for Los Angeles to kickstart the home stretch. The Kings have struggled at home this season and will look to capitalize in the coming three-game homestand to turn their campaign around.

Kings land Panarin in bold Rangers swap
sports3 months ago

Kings land Panarin in bold Rangers swap

The LA Kings acquired Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Liam Greentree and two conditional draft picks, with the Rangers retaining 50% of Panarin’s contract through 2025-26. Panarin signed a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $11 million through the 2027-28 season. The 34-year-old winger has 19 goals and 38 assists in 52 games this season and brings 804 NHL games and more than 900 career points to Los Angeles, along with extensive playoff experience.

Kings Edge Sharks 4-3 in Thrilling Comeback
sports7 months ago

Kings Edge Sharks 4-3 in Thrilling Comeback

The LA Kings completed a successful 4-0-1 road trip with a 4-3 win over the San Jose Sharks, highlighted by Brandt Clarke’s game-winning goal in the final moments, despite a challenging game where they struggled with their energy and turnovers. Key performances included Corey Perry extending his point streak, Drew Doughty tying the franchise record for goals by a defenseman, and Darcy Kuemper making 38 saves. The team acknowledged their need for rest and improvement after a tough trip.