Kings Season Review: LA Locks Down Wild Card Spot

Apr 14, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Los Angeles Kings forward Alex Laferriere (14) and forward Quinton Byfield (55) and defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) celebrate Byfield’s goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Kings Trade for Artemi Panarin

The Kings made a blockbuster deal with the New York Rangers in February, acquiring star winger Artemi Panarin via trade.

LA extended Panarin through the 2027-28 season.

Over the course of the season with both of his teams, Panarin notched 84 points, which ranks first among all Kings players. He also scored the second most goals of any player on the team, lighting the lamp 28 times throughout 78 games played this season.

Panarin is sure to play a huge role in the Kings’ playoff run and will be an offensive cornerstone for the next couple of seasons.

LA Overcomes OT Woes to Make Playoffs

While the Kings slipped into the playoffs, it’s not a stretch to say they’re among the weakest teams remaining. They set an NHL record this season, becoming the team with the most OT/SO losses to secure a playoff spot (20).

The Kings’ 35 wins on the season are the fewest of any team to make the playoffs, and they’re the only team other than the Vegas Golden Knights to make the postseason with a win total lower than 40.

Who Do the Kings Face in the First Round?

As they hold the last Wild Card spot, the Kings are in for a troublesome first round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They’re to face the Colorado Avalanche in the first round—the team with the highest win total in the league.

The Kings played the Avs three times over the course of the season, but failed to win a single game. They lost their first matchup 4-1, followed by a 5-2 handling a couple of months later. Their final matchup came March 2, where they lost 4-2.

It will be an uphill battle for the Kings, who are seeking to bring a third Stanley Cup to LA, but they will fight regardless as they look to give their captain a proper send-off.

How do you feel about the Kings as they head into the playoffs?

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