LA Kings Seek Third Straight Win to Secure Playoff Hopes The Los Angeles Kings are entering a pivotal matchup against the Vancouver Canucks on April 9, aiming to extend their current winning streak and solidify their position in the playoff race. The Kings, who have posted a 3-1-1 record during their seven-game homestand, are looking to secure their third consecutive victory, a feat they haven’t achieved since late January. A win tonight would mark their second two-game winning streak of the season and position them as strong contenders for a wild card berth. The Kings’ recent performance has been a mix of resilience and determination. After snapping a four-game losing streak against Nashville, they have since won two straight games, including a 2-1 overtime victory over the Predators. Forward Trevor Moore emphasized the team’s confidence, stating, “We’re staying aggressive, obviously we’re going to overtime a lot, but I think that we feel good about our game. We feel like we’re able to win every night and that’s always good.” Key players are expected to be in the lineup, with goaltender Anton Forsberg set to start. Forsberg, who made 19 saves in a previous matchup against the Canucks, is coming off strong performances in his last two starts, including a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. The Kings’ forward line, featuring Quinton Byfield, Mikey Anderson, and Adrian Kempe, will be critical in the offensive push. Byfield, despite playing through an injury, is expected to take the ice, as interim head coach D.J. Smith confirmed. “Just maintenance. He could have [practiced] if he had to, but he’ll play [against Vancouver],” Smith said. Byfield, who has 11 points in his last 11 games, has been a driving force for the team despite not being at full strength.#los_angeles_kings #vancouver_canucks #d_j_smith #anton_forsberg #quinton_byfield
Crunch Time In Columbus The Los Angeles Kings begin a challenging five-game road trip on Monday, March 9, as they face the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The game, originally scheduled for January 26, was postponed due to severe weather in Ohio. The matchup marks the start of a critical stretch for both teams, with the Kings aiming to capitalize on their recent momentum while the Blue Jackets seek to maintain their strong performance. The Kings, with a record of 25-23-14, will be looking to build on their recent improvements under interim head coach D.J. Smith. However, their recent 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens has left them at 1-2-0 since the coaching change, dropping them further from playoff contention. The defeat, which saw Montreal score two goals in 49 seconds late in the third period, highlighted the gap between the team’s strong statistical performance and actual results. Despite generating a season-high 26 high-danger chances and 46 scoring chances against Montreal, the Kings failed to convert their opportunities, leaving them three points behind a playoff spot. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, have been dominant in the NHL over the past two months, leading the league with a .789 points percentage and a 14-3-2 record. Their recent acquisition of forward Mason Marchment, who has scored 11 goals and 19 points in 20 games since joining the team, has bolstered their offensive capabilities. Columbus also welcomed forward Conor Garland, who made his debut with the team after being acquired from Vancouver. For the Kings, the challenge lies in translating their strong play into wins.#los_angeles_kings #columbus_blue_jackets #nationwide_arena #d_j_smith #mason_marchment
Kings Recall Kenny Connors, Loan Angus Booth To AHL The Los Angeles Kings made roster adjustments on Tuesday, recalling forward Kenny Connors from the AHL’s Ontario Reign while loaning defenseman Angus Booth back to the league. The moves came as the team navigated coaching changes, with interim head coach D.J. Smith taking over following the departure of Jim Hiller. Connors, a 22-year-old prospect, is set to get his first NHL opportunity in the coming days, while Booth, a 21-year-old defenseman, will return to the AHL after a brief stint with the Kings. Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft, Connors concluded his collegiate career at UMass-Amherst, where he recorded 29 points in 114 games. His professional debut with the Ontario Reign in the 2024-25 season saw him accumulate 29 points in 49 games, tying for fifth on the team and ranking 10th among league rookies. Despite falling short of the club’s top 10 prospect list earlier in the season, Connors’ AHL performance has drawn attention. He was called up in late January but failed to make his NHL debut, as he was scratched in his hometown matchup against the Flyers and reassigned shortly after. Connors’ two-way play and adaptability have positioned him as a potential role player for the Kings. While his offensive output has not exceeded his collegiate career high, his defensive contributions and work ethic have made him a candidate for a bottom-six role. With the Kings set to host the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, Connors may finally get a chance to showcase his skills in the NHL. Booth, who was selected 13 spots after Connors in the 2022 draft, was recalled to provide depth as Andrei Kuzmenko was placed on injured reserve. The 21-year-old defenseman, who has played 42 games with the Ontario Reign, has recorded 10 points and 26 penalty minutes.#los_angeles_kings #d_j_smith #angus_booth #kenny_connors #ontario_reign
