With a 5-3 victory, the Kings inch closer to playoff clinching as season winds down
Category: Sports
In a decisive matchup on April 13, 2026, the Los Angeles Kings triumphed over the Seattle Kraken with a score of 5-3 at Climate Pledge Arena, marking a key step in their quest for a playoff spot. The Kings, who now hold a record of 35-26-19, needed this victory to maintain their position in the Western Conference playoff race.
The game began with an energetic pace, and the Kings quickly established dominance. Quinton Byfield opened the scoring with two unassisted goals in the first period, netting his first at 2:43 and adding another at 13:19. These early goals set the tone for the Kings, who were looking to capitalize on their recent momentum after winning their last four games.
Trevor Moore extended the lead for Los Angeles in the second period, scoring at 7:13 with an assist from Alex Laferriere. The Kings appeared to be in control, leading 3-0 as they headed into the final period.
Seattle, having been eliminated from playoff contention just days prior, was determined to finish their season on a high note. The Kraken mounted a spirited comeback in the third period, with Adam Larsson scoring just 1:53 in. This goal sparked hope for the home crowd, who had gathered in numbers, with an attendance of 17,151.
Fabian Gaudreau added another for the Kraken at 8:08, narrowing the Kings' lead to just one goal. As the tension mounted, Brandon McMann scored at 17:33, bringing the score to 4-3 and putting the Kings on high alert.
In a bid to secure the win, Adrian Kempe found the net for Los Angeles at 12:29 in the third period, giving the Kings a 4-2 lead. Alex Laferriere sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 19:58, finishing the scoring at 5-3. This victory was a boost for the Kings’ confidence and a necessary step toward clinching a playoff spot.
With this win, the Kings solidified their position in the playoff race, currently holding the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference with 87 points. They are just two points shy of the Anaheim Ducks for third place in the Pacific Division. The Kings have been on a remarkable run, going 12-5-5 since the end of February, which includes a streak of five games without a loss in regulation.
Interim coach D.J. Smith expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting the importance of the win. "The job isn’t done, but we’re in a good position now. We’ve worked hard to come back from being out of the playoff picture," he said after the game. This sentiment reflects the team’s resilience, especially after overcoming a five-point deficit earlier in the season.
The Kings' success can be attributed to several key players stepping up in recent games. Byfield’s two goals against Seattle showcased his offensive potential, and Moore’s contributions have been invaluable, especially with his impressive +9 rating in eight career games at Climate Pledge Arena.
On the defensive end, goaltender Anton Forsberg played a key role, making 28 saves on 31 shots, resulting in a .903 save percentage for the game. Forsberg’s ability to perform under pressure has been a defining factor for the Kings as they approach the playoffs. His recent form, including a shutout victory against the Edmonton Oilers just two days prior, has been a source of confidence for the team.
As the regular season draws to a close, the Kings are set to continue their road trip, with two more games ahead. They face the Kraken again in a rematch that fiercely contested. Historically, games between these two teams have been closely fought, with six of the last seven matchups being decided by one or two goals. This trend was evident again as the Kraken fought back valiantly in the third period.
For the Kraken, this game was a chance to show their resilience after a season that did not meet playoff expectations. They had recently secured victories over both the Calgary Flames and the Vegas Golden Knights, and their performance against the Kings, particularly in the third period, indicated a fighting spirit that bodes well for the future.
Looking ahead, the Kings must maintain their focus and continue to secure points in their remaining games. They require two more victories to officially clinch a playoff spot, a goal that has become increasingly tangible as the season progresses. The team’s next challenge will be to replicate their success against the Kraken and build on the momentum gained from this victory.
As the Kings aim for the postseason, they are not just playing for a playoff berth; they are playing to establish their identity as a competitive force in the league once again. With stars like Artemi Panarin leading the charge, the Kings are determined to make a statement as they head into the playoffs.
The Kings will look to build on this victory when they face the Kraken again, knowing that every game counts in their quest for playoff glory. With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect an exhilarating finish to the regular season.