Los Angeles Kings launch their pivotal 5-game road trip with a dramatic 5-4 overtime win against the surging Columbus Blue Jackets. Is DJ Smith’s aggressive system giving the Kings an edge they need to capture a playoff spot? Amid controversial officiating and adversity, Anton Forsberg’s clutch goaltending, Adrian Kempe’s two-goal night (including the OT winner), and Brian Dumoulin’s standout 3-point performance ignite hope for Kings fans seeking a postseason surge. Eddie Garcia breaks down the game’s key turning points—highlighting Scott Laughton’s trade impact, Kopitar’s chase for franchise history, and the team’s dominance in the faceoff circle. Fresh insight into the evolving lineup, special teams struggles, and upcoming tests against the red-hot Boston Bruins set the stage for a critical stretch. Can LA capitalize on momentum and leap ahead in the Western Conference playoff race?
00:00 — Kings Road Trip Win
Summary of the LA Kings’ crucial 5-4 OT win over Columbus, DJ Smith’s coaching impact, and overcoming adversity, including bad officiating and special teams struggles.
12:24 — Player Performances & Game Analysis
In-depth analysis of standouts like Anton Forsberg, Anze Kopitar, Brian Dumoulin, Scott Laughton, and Adrian Kempe. Discussion of lineup changes, clutch plays, and key stats.
23:03 — Standings, Road Trip Outlook & Playoff Odds
Breakdown of current playoff standings, upcoming schedule, minimum point target for road trip, and playoff projection odds for the Kings and Western Conference wildcard rivals.
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15 Comments
Go Kings go 👑 🏒
What was Doughtys +/-?
Kings can't hold on to a one goal lead, late in 3rd periods.
GOOD WIN GO KINGS 💪🥅🏒
The Puck don't lie
I AGREE WITH YOU EDDIE ABOUT FORSBERG
They played with energy and the forecheck is finally coming back. Adversity will get the team glue back to where it has to be.
did you notice, DJ shorten the bench again in the 3rd and then all of a sudden, in the 3rd he gives the 4th line a shift (maybe 2 if I remember correctly) and after that 4th line shift in the 3rd…the kings improved, got to the overtime and then our best had energy to finish the job….so, again, play 4 lines!
Mason Marchment also bloodied Dumo and didn't get 4 minutes because it was his elbow instead of his stick (though I do think it could have been the butt of his stick that did it). Total failure by the refs that game.
Brian Doumolin Legacy game.
Why are Doughty and Anderson still the number one pairing??
Forsburger in the crease more please. He’s gonna drag this teams shriveling corpse to the playoffs if we are smart enough to let him.
Marchment milked the hell out of the penalty late that ended up leading to Columbus tying it
The Kings may be in a better position if they had made the coaching change before Christmas. Might be too late now…especially with Fiala out for the season.
Also, you are correct that several calls went against the Kings….that also happened in the game against the Canadiens. Why does that always seem to happen?
Forsey was insane!