Go ahead and add the ‘X’.
Putting Tuesday’s dismal effort behind them, the Kings regrouped nicely on Thursday and beat the Flames by a score of 4-1.
LA has now officially clinched a spot in this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs. It’s an impressive accomplishment given where this team was not too long ago, but they will undoubtedly be judged by how they fare beyond Game No. 83.
Rookie Akil Thomas scored his third goal in just his fifth career NHL game, becoming only the fifth player in Kings history to do so — following Brian Boyle, Vitali Yachmenev, Jimmy Carson, and Ulf Isaksson. Thomas has adjusted very well early on in his Kings career and has produced at an impressive rate while being used in a variety of situations.
ANOTHER GOAL FOR AKIL THOMAS
@LAKings I #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/2VmcXF8M3P
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 12, 2024
Viktor Arvidsson added a pair of goals of his own, giving him 11 points in just 15 games this season; further proof of just how impactful he is to LA’s offense when healthy.
ARVY WITH THE SHORT SIDE SNIPE
@LAKings I #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/bFknKooQwi
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 12, 2024
Stat Sheet Takeaways: LA only surrendered one power play on Thursday. The Kings are at their best when committed to a disciplined style of hockey, and it showed against the Flames.
Keep it Going: As mentioned in recent postgame articles and discussed at length on Wednesday’s Kings of the Podcast episode, LA shouldn’t spend time hoping for a certain playoff opponent. What they can look to do instead is build momentum going into their opening-round matchup. Ending the regular season with games against Anaheim, Minnesota, and Chicago should provide a trio of solid opportunities for players to gain confidence — something coach Jim Hiller has repeatedly talked about being one of the most dangerous weapons a team can have when entering the postseason.
A Tale of Two Home Teams: The Kings are 12-2-1 at home since the All-Star Break, a staggering contrast of their first-half mark of 7-8-5. LA has found a way to play with more confidence and rhythm on home ice, which is something they’ll need to carry over to the postseason.
Denver is Still Dancin’: In college hockey news, Jared Wright’s Denver Pioneers defeated Boston University – and fellow Kings prospect Jack Hughes – in the NCAA semifinal on Thursday afternoon. Denver will now face No. 1 Boston College in the Frozen Four Final on Saturday night. Wright, a sixth round pick by the Kings in 2022, can become the first LA prospect to win a National Championship since Mikey Anderson went back-to-back with Minnesota-Duluth in 2017-18.
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