The LA Kings’ playoff dreams hang in the balance as Eddie Garcia questions whether missing the postseason could spark much-needed organizational change. With the Kings trailing the Vegas Golden Knights and Nashville Predators in the playoff race, fans are left deciding between a playoff berth or a better pick in the draft. Locked On LA Kings examines the team’s playoff odds, crucial head-to-head games, and the impact of regulation wins on tiebreaker scenarios. Eddie Garcia weighs the benefits of making the playoffs—including a chance for Anze Kopitar’s swan song—against the potential for front office shakeups, and a top-10 draft pick. Plus, get the latest updates on the surging Ontario Reign and young prospects making waves in the AHL. Can the Kings rewrite their season, or is it time to hit reset?
00:00 — Kings Playoff Odds & Path
Overview of the LA Kings’ current playoff standings, remaining schedule, key matchups, and analysis of their chances to clinch a playoff spot.
09:55 — Should Kings Miss Playoffs?
Discusses whether the Kings might benefit from missing the postseason, including organizational, draft, and roster consequences of making or missing the playoffs.
19:00 — Ontario Reign Update
Recap and analysis of the Ontario Reign’s recent performances, notable players, and playoff outlook, including a detailed game report from fan correspondent Don.
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22 Comments
If the Kings won 2 and Vegas or Edmonton lost 2 ,watch out . However these guys are really bad ! Are definitely 32nd in fitness , have no killer instinct , and ZERO resilience! So it probably won’t happen , however it’s not impossible, yet
Interesting analysis regarding "fight or fail" , Eddie. I agree with you that there is no doubt the organization would be better off if they don't make the playoffs (and I do not believe they will). However, as a fan, we only get to watch playoff hockey once per year…and Kings playoff hockey is my favorite sporting event. So I hope they make it, even if it is a butt-kicking from the Avalanche or (god forbid) a 5th consecutive playoff loss to the Oilers….and even if it means Luc stays another year.
Fuck I'll miss kopi
I'd rather have them miss and make significant changes than another first round exit. This is going on for a decade now. Get a proven coach who will implement another system. Do not promote Smith even if they get in. Luc stepping down would be a bonus. Wake tf up!
I feel like they struggle to make the playoffs just to get eliminated in the 1st round
Oh come on….are we still hopeful? lol
Can you imagine if the Kings beat out Vegas and faced the oilers for the 5th time and finally beat them ! They probably would without draseitle
Do we really want to make the final wc spot and play colorado? Or despite their goaltending do we really want the 3rd seed to get embarrassed by Edmonton for a 5th straight year? I’d rather miss and get a good player from the lottery to bolster our prospect pool personally.
Huge fan here:
I hope we lose every single game for the rest of the season
YEA I know it reaching for the sky's, but the 1st Cup win was started by a Kings team that made the playoffs in the 8th seed.
I feel that making the playoffs sends the wrong message to upper management. They’ll treat it as a success and continue with the “we’re right there” mentality. They’ll treat will stay the course and we won’t address any of the glaring issues. Not making the playoffs would serve as a wake up call and hopefully spark the necessary changes.
You're generous Eddie. I already lost hope.
Losing Fiala destroyed our Cup hopes…..
We should be trying out young players from the farm system and preparing for the best possible draft position. Do we really want this team to make the playoffs ,just to get embarrassed by the Avalanche?
Doughty is a warrior but not so sure he belongs on ice when 3 on 3!! Terrible overtime record!
They don’t deserve to be in the playoffs. 23rd in points in the NHL. An embarrassment. 18 regulation wins in 71 games! Didn’t think that was possible, but they did it
If they can't finish games and constantly are going to OT, they aren't even going to go farther than game 4 of the first round if they do make it into the playoffs.
It’s incredible that we’re 4 points behind Vegas with a game in hand. We will catch them and play Edmonton again
A lot of sport franchises do NOT make money. In losing money it can be a tax hedge, and the owner is happy with it. But they all make money when the owner sells the franchise.
We need Austin Matthews
don’t wanna get into the playoffs this year. Want massive change throughout the organization
Hear me out, boys (and gals): a win in Vancouver is 4 out of 6 points on the road trip, .666 percentage.