The Los Angeles Kings are navigating a rollercoaster of a season in the 2025-26 NHL campaign. Currently, they're just outside the playoff picture, sitting at 76 points, trailing the Nashville Predators by a single point for that coveted second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. They're also four points behind the Utah Mammoth for the first Wild Card position.
But there's a glimmer of hope for the Kings, thanks to a blockbuster trade that brought Russian star forward Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers. His addition promises to bolster their scoring power, and they've locked him in with a two-year contract extension. Not stopping there, they also snagged Scott Laughton from the Toronto Maple Leafs to add some depth up front.
The Kings have been haunted by four straight first-round exits at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers. This season, they're determined not only to make it back to the playoffs but to finally break through that first-round barrier-a hurdle they haven't cleared since their Stanley Cup triumph in 2014.
The prospect of facing the Oilers again is a bit unnerving for both the organization and fans. Edmonton, currently second in the Pacific Division, could once again be their playoff nemesis if they secure the top seed and face a Wild Card team, a spot the Kings are fighting for.
Last season was particularly heartbreaking. The Kings started strong, with home-ice advantage and a 2-0 series lead, only to watch the Oilers roar back with four straight wins. Captain Anze Kopitar's words still echo from last spring: “This one's tough to swallow, obviously... it's frustrating - this one hurts a little more.”
The sting of losing a 2-0 lead, especially after a crucial Game 4 slip-up, is a lesson etched in their minds. Kopitar reflected on the missed opportunities: “That’s a completely different series if we go home up 3-1 versus 2-2.”
The Kings are keen to avoid another showdown with Edmonton. Securing a higher playoff seed is crucial, and with only a point separating them from a Wild Card spot, the postseason is within reach.
However, the Kings have struggled on home ice, a fact interim head coach D.J. Smith is eager to change.
“We’ve just got to play good,” Smith emphasized. “We’ve got to make sure we’re defending enough, we’re disciplined... it’s our time now to get hot.”
Their home record of 10-16-8 at Crypto.com Arena needs improvement if they want to make a serious playoff push. Likely starting the postseason on the road, they'll need to find their stride quickly.
Adding a layer of urgency, this season marks the final chapter in Anze Kopitar’s illustrious career, as he recently became the franchise leader in total points. If the Kings secure that playoff spot, you can bet Kopitar will be hoping for a fresh opponent to cap off his legendary run.