Kings Look to Stay Hot at Home as Ovechkin, Kopitar Face Off in Final Regular Season Clash
There’s something about the Kings and home ice. Last season, no team in the NHL was better on their own sheet than Los Angeles, and this year, they’re starting to tap back into that same groove. With a 12-6-7 record, the Kings are looking to notch their third straight win at Crypto.com Arena tonight as they host the Washington Capitals (15-9-2) in a cross-conference matchup that carries more than just two points on the line.
This one also marks the final regular season meeting between two of the NHL’s most respected veterans - Alex Ovechkin and Anze Kopitar. Two legends, two captains, and two players who’ve helped define their franchises for over a decade. Anytime they share the ice, it’s a moment worth tuning in for.
The last time these teams met, Washington edged out a tight 2-1 win at Capital One Arena back on November 17. That game was a defensive battle, and with both teams settling into midseason form, expect another hard-fought contest tonight in L.A.
Where to Watch
- Location: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, CA)
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network West
- Streaming: ESPN+
- Radio: ESPN LA App
Projected Starting Goalies
- Kings: Darcy Kuemper
- Capitals: Logan Thompson
Kuemper gets the nod in net for L.A., looking to build on a solid stretch between the pipes. On the other side, Logan Thompson will try to keep the Kings’ offense in check - no easy task with the way L.A. has been moving the puck lately.
Kings' Projected Lineup vs. Capitals
Forwards
- Kevin Fiala - Quinton Byfield - Adrian Kempe
- Trevor Moore - Anze Kopitar - Andrei Kuzmenko
- Joel Armia - Phillip Danault - Alex Laferriere
- Jeff Malott - Alex Turcotte - Corey Perry
- Sammy Helenius (healthy scratch)
Defensemen
- Mikey Anderson - Brian Dumoulin
- Joel Edmundson - Brandt Clarke
- Jacob Moverare - Cody Ceci
Goaltenders
- Darcy Kuemper
- Anton Forsberg
There’s a lot to like about the Kings’ depth right now. The top line of Fiala, Byfield, and Kempe brings speed and creativity, while the second unit led by Kopitar continues to be a stabilizing force. Keep an eye on the third line as well - Danault’s two-way game and Laferriere’s emerging offensive touch have quietly become key pieces of the Kings’ forward group.
On the blue line, the pairing of Mikey Anderson and Brian Dumoulin gives L.A. a reliable shutdown duo, and Brandt Clarke continues to grow into his role with more responsibility each game. The Kings are also getting solid contributions from their bottom-six forwards, which has helped them stay competitive in tight games like the one they’re expecting tonight.
What’s at Stake
For the Kings, it’s about continuing to reassert their dominance at home. After a bit of an uneven start to the season, they’re starting to look more like the team that turned Crypto.com Arena into a fortress last year. A win tonight would not only extend their home win streak to three but also serve as a statement against a strong Eastern Conference opponent.
For the Capitals, this is a chance to sweep the season series and keep pace in a tight Metropolitan Division race. Ovechkin may not be lighting the lamp at the same pace as years past, but his presence still draws attention - and opens up space for the rest of the lineup.
Final Thoughts
Anytime Ovechkin and Kopitar share the ice, it’s a reminder of how much these two have given to the game. They’ve battled in All-Star Games, playoffs, and now, another regular season showdown that could have playoff implications down the road.
But beyond the star power, tonight’s game is about two teams trying to build momentum as the grind of the NHL season kicks into high gear. The Kings want to keep defending their home turf. The Capitals want to prove they can win in tough buildings.
Puck drops tonight in Los Angeles. Don’t miss it.