As of early Tuesday, the Avalanche clinched a playoff berth on March 20, 2026. They finished the regular season with an impressive record of 55-16-11, winning the Central Division.

Meanwhile, the Kings secured their postseason spot on April 13, 2026. They claimed the second wild-card position in the West with a record of 35-27-20.

This series is particularly poignant for the Kings as it is the final postseason for center Anze Kopitar, who will retire after this season.

The best-of-seven series begins with Game 1 on April 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET. The Avalanche are favored to win at -292 against the Kings.

In their three regular-season meetings, the Avalanche dominated, winning all three games. Nathan MacKinnon was a standout player, scoring six points against the Kings this season.

The Kings had been on an eight-game point streak (6-0-2) before suffering a loss to the Calgary Flames. They also set an NHL record with 33 trips to overtime this season.

“We’re going to have to weather the storm,” said Kings coach D.J. Smith. His team faces a tough challenge ahead.

Anze Kopitar noted that “it didn’t really hit yet,” hinting at the emotional weight of this being his last playoff run.

Avalanche forward Brock Nelson stated they need to “just continue to ramp it up” as they prepare for their opponents.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the status of injured players for the Kings. Observers are eager to see how this historic matchup unfolds.

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Quinton Byfield was the standout performer, scoring the first two goals of the game, setting the tone early on. Anze Kopitar also contributed with an assist, showcasing the depth and skill of the Kings’ roster.

The Kings had previously secured a narrow 1-0 victory against the Edmonton Oilers, with goaltender Anton Forsberg making an impressive 27 saves to earn a shutout. This momentum carried into the game against the Kraken, where the Kings quickly established control.

Despite a strong performance from the Kraken, who had just come off a 4-1 win against the Calgary Flames, they struggled to keep pace with the Kings. The Kraken managed to score three goals, but it was not enough to overcome the Kings’ offensive onslaught.

The match saw the Kings take a commanding lead, with the score reaching 3-0 at one point. The Kraken fought back, but the Kings’ defense held firm, ensuring their victory.

Kaapo Kakko expressed confidence in his teammates, stating, “I like to play with him,” referring to Byfield’s impactful performance. Meanwhile, Moore acknowledged the tense moments during the game, saying, “It was dicey there for a while,” highlighting the competitive nature of the matchup.

As the Kings look ahead, they are focused on maintaining their momentum as they chase down the final playoff spots. The stakes are high, and every game counts as they aim to solidify their position in the postseason.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact implications of this victory on the playoff standings, but the Kings’ performance has certainly put them in a favorable position.

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However, everything changed on April 13, 2026, when the Kings faced off against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. In a decisive moment, the Kings clinched a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 5-3 victory. This win not only solidified their position but also marked their fifth consecutive trip to the playoffs, a feat not achieved since their streak from 2010 to 2014.

Key performances from players like Quinton Byfield, who scored two goals, and Adrian Kempe, who netted his team-leading 35th goal of the season, were crucial in this victory. Trevor Moore also contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, showcasing the depth of talent within the team. Goaltender Anton Forsberg made 28 saves on 31 shots, proving instrumental in securing the win against the Kraken.

As the Kings celebrated their playoff berth, the impact on the team was palpable. Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, both tied for the second-most playoff appearances in team history with 11 each, expressed their pride in the team’s resilience. Kopitar, in his final NHL season, is just five points shy of tying Wayne Gretzky for the most playoff points in franchise history, adding a personal milestone to the team’s collective achievement.

“It’s awesome. It was dicey there for a while, but I’m really proud of our group for sticking together, believing in ourselves and going on this run,” said Trevor Moore, reflecting on the team’s journey. Head Coach D.J. Smith echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of leadership and perseverance throughout the season. “We kept talking about move the chains. We were at the three-yard line and it looked like we’re having a tough time getting it in there. We found a way,” he remarked.

This victory not only boosts the morale of the Kings but also positions them favorably as they prepare for their next challenge against the Vancouver Canucks. The Kings’ current record stands at 35-26-19, totaling 89 points through 80 games this season, placing them fourth in the Pacific Division and eighth in the Western Conference.

As the playoffs approach, the Kings’ ability to maintain their momentum will be crucial. The leadership of veterans like Kopitar and Doughty, combined with the emerging talents of younger players like Byfield, will be vital in their quest for postseason success. The Kings have proven they can rise to the occasion, and with the playoffs on the horizon, they are ready to make a significant impact.

In a league where every game counts, the Kings’ recent performance against the Kraken serves as a reminder of their potential. As they gear up for the playoffs, fans are hopeful that this team can continue to defy expectations and make a deep run in the postseason.

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The game against the Edmonton Oilers ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for the Kings, with Artemi Panarin scoring the only goal just 7:34 into the first period. This win was crucial for the Kings as they moved one step closer to securing a postseason berth. Goaltender Anton Forsberg played a pivotal role, recording his third shutout of the season with a total of 27 saves, showcasing his skills in a high-pressure situation.

In a heartfelt moment post-game, Kopitar expressed his gratitude to the fans, stating, “From the bottom of my heart. This has been my home for 20 years. Thank you for being here for us.” His emotional speech resonated with the crowd, highlighting the deep connection he has built with the franchise and its supporters over the years.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Kopitar remarked, “I don’t really remember the last time we had a three-game winning streak,” indicating a renewed sense of momentum as the Kings push towards the playoffs. His leadership and experience are invaluable assets as the team navigates the final stretch of the regular season.

Anton Forsberg, who was instrumental in the victory, praised Kopitar’s impact on the team, saying, “There’s not enough words to describe him. You get goosebumps out there watching him doing that speech.” Forsberg’s admiration underscores the respect Kopitar commands within the locker room and among his peers.

Head Coach D.J. Smith also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of veteran players like Kopitar, stating, “We got guys that have been in this league a long time and they know how to win games.” This sentiment reflects the collective belief in the team’s potential as they aim for a successful postseason run.

As the Kings celebrate Kopitar’s remarkable career and look ahead to the playoffs, the urgency to capitalize on their current form is palpable. Observers are keen to see how this victory will propel the team forward, especially with the playoffs on the horizon. The Kings’ recent performances suggest a team that is not only finding its rhythm but also rallying around its captain in these crucial moments.

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“Not official,” Jaromir Jagr told NHL.com when asked if he was retired. The 54-year-old hockey legend has left fans and analysts alike pondering his next move as he navigates the twilight of his illustrious career.

Jagr last played for Kladno in the Extraliga on December 21, where he recorded one assist and a minus-7 rating in six games. Kladno’s season ended on March 15 with a disappointing five-game loss to Sparta, raising questions about Jagr’s future in the sport.

Despite his age, Jagr remains a significant figure in hockey, holding the record for second-most game-winning goals in NHL history with 135. However, he has acknowledged the physical toll of the game, stating, “It doesn’t make sense to me to practice at my age, and get ready at my age, spending so much time in my life doing this for hockey and my ice time is like maximum 12 minutes a game.”

In January 2025, Jagr sold 80 percent of his ownership in Kladno, a team he has been a majority owner of since the 2011-12 season. This move has fueled speculation about his commitment to the game moving forward.

Jagr expressed a desire to enjoy life outside of hockey, saying, “I still like (playing), but I don’t know how long I’m going to be active, be able to walk and enjoy my life.” He estimates he has about 15 active years left, but the uncertainty looms large.

As fellow NHL stars like Alex Ovechkin and Anze Kopitar approach their own career conclusions, Jagr’s situation remains particularly poignant. Ovechkin recently surpassed Jagr for the most game-winning goals, adding another layer to the narrative of Jagr’s legacy.

Jagr is expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2029, a testament to his remarkable career. However, the question of when he will officially step away from the ice remains unanswered.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding his retirement status, leaving fans and the hockey community in suspense about the future of one of the sport’s greatest players.

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As the Philadelphia Flyers prepare to face the Los Angeles Kings at the Crypto.com Arena on March 19, 2026, the stakes are high for both teams. The Flyers, coming off a hard-fought 3-2 overtime victory against the Ducks just a day prior, are looking to build momentum. However, they are facing a challenging opponent in the Kings, who have won three consecutive games against them.

With puck drop scheduled for 10:30 PM ET, the Flyers enter the game with a record of 32-23-12, showcasing a recent surge with a 7-2-1 record in their last ten games. Despite this, they find themselves seven points out of the final playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division, making every game crucial as they have only 15 remaining this season.

On the other side, the Kings hold a record of 28-24-15 and are currently -175 home favorites. They desperately need a win, having only 18 regulation victories this season. The pressure is on as they aim to secure their playoff position against a Flyers team that has shown resilience but is now dealing with significant injuries.

One of the Flyers’ key players, Sean Couturier, will not be in the lineup due to an upper-body injury, adding to the challenges faced by the team. Coach Rick Tocchet has indicated that there will be “some game-time decisions” on defense due to injuries, leaving the Flyers’ strategy in a state of flux. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the status of Luke Glendening and Denver Barkey, further complicating their game plan.

The Kings, led by Anze Kopitar and supported by Artemi Panarin, will look to capitalize on the Flyers’ injury woes. Historically, the Kings have averaged an impressive 5.00 goals per game in their last three victories against the Flyers, which could play a significant role in this matchup.

As the game approaches, both teams are aware of the implications of this contest. For the Flyers, a win could bring them closer to playoff contention, while the Kings need to maintain their momentum to secure a better position in the standings. The urgency is palpable as they take to the ice.

With the Flyers’ recent form and the Kings’ need for a win, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter. Fans will be watching closely as both teams fight for their playoff lives in the final stretch of the season.

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