They did it.
In a season unlike any other, Los Angeles found a way to clinch their spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Just six weeks ago, that feat seemed like a far-fetched dream. However, a change behind the bench and a shift in philosophy have completely changed this team’s fate.
Now, with two games remaining in the regular season, the Kings look to improve their seeding from eight in the Western Conference to perhaps as high as second in the Pacific Division. If they can take care of the Canucks tonight, and the Flames on Thursday, there is a chance that Game 83 could actually take place on home ice in Los Angeles this Sunday. It’s nothing short of remarkable.
Of course, there’s still a lot that needs to happen to make that a reality — and some of it is outside the control of coach DJ Smith, the players, or anybody inside the Kings organization. In fact, LA can still mathematically end up playing one of five different teams in the first-round. And, yes, there’s even an 11% chance of an all-SoCal series between the Kings and Ducks. Without going through all the permutations and what-if scenarios, let’s stick to the controllables for now. With Anaheim and Utah both in action tonight, perhaps a clearer picture will develop over the next 12 hours.
Focusing in on the Kings specifically, they’re looking to simply take care of their own business. Vancouver comes in sitting in last place and is likely hopeful of improving their odds for a high draft pick. However, the game must still be played on the ice. Thus, Smith’s squad will need to give a full effort if they’re serious about collecting another huge two points.
Only one change in the lineup is expected tonight. Darcy Kuemper is expected to get another shot at some game action after watching his counterpart, Anton Forsberg, will this team into the playoffs on Monday. Kuemper has had his fair share of struggles since the calendar year flipped, but there is no better time than right now for the former Vezina finalist to dial in his game.
We Need Your Votes!
With the Kings 2025-26 season quickly wrapping up, it’s time to let your voice be heard. Which players are worthy of winning one of these four annual awards:
Statistically Speaking
— Adrian Kempe has five goals and eight points in his last five games against the Canucks, with multi-point efforts in three of those five contests including his team-leading 16th multi-point and sixth multi-goal game of the year in last Thursday.
— Forward Quinton Byfield skates into Rogers Arena riding a five-game road multi-point streak, dating back to March 16 against the Rangers. With his two-goal performance last night in Seattle, Byfield became the fifth player in LA Kings to record a five-game road multi-point streak, and the first to do so since Luc Robitaille in 1992-93. The others: Wayne Gretzky (x4), Marcel Dionne (x3) and Bernie Nicholls (x2).
— Anze Kopitar is set to play in his final career game against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night. Among active skaters, Kopitar’s 73 games, 44 assists and 62 points against the B.C.-based club all rank second-most across the League.
— Alex Laferriere notched his 20th goal of the season last night, setting a new single-season career-high and besting his previous high of 19 set last season.
Kings Projected Lineup vs. Canucks
If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.
Panarin – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Byfield – Laferriere
Armia – Laughton – Wright
Joseph – Helenius – Ward
Anderson – Doughty
Edmundson – Clarke
Dumoulin – Ceci
Kumeper (starter)
Forsberg
Likely scratches: (F) Malott, Turcotte and (D) Moverare
Injured Reserve: Fiala, Kuzmenko (injury status updates here)
How to Watch the Game
Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm Pacific Time and will be televised by ESPN. Additionally, a Kings radio feed is available on the ESPN LA app.
More on the Kings’ changing TV situation for next season can be found here.
Across the Ice
Vancouver is coming off a 4-3 victory over Anaheim on Saturday. Here’s how they lined up in that matchup:
Ohgren – E Pettersson – Boeser
O’Connor – Rossi – Karlsson
Hoglander – Blueger – DeBrusk
Sasson – Douglas – Raty
Buium – Hronek
M Pettersson – Willander
E N Pettersson – Joseph
Tolopilo
On This Day in Kings History
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