The Los Angeles Kings face a lineup decision as Andrei Kuzmenko nears a return from knee surgery. Will head coach D.J. Smith risk playoff chemistry to slot in the dynamic forward, or stick with the energy of rookie Jared Wright in crucial postseason action? Eddie Garcia raises key questions about lineup stability, Kuzmenko’s power play influence alongside Artemi Panarin, and whether playoff experience outweighs late-season momentum for the Kings. Promising Kings prospects light up postseason play: Carter George posts a .942 save percentage for the Soo Greyhounds, Jimmy Lombardi racks up eight points for the Flint Firebirds, and Vojtech Cihar dominates the WHL playoffs with ten points in four games. The episode also spotlights captain Anze Kopitar’s first nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy and breaks down the Kings’ wild card chase, including scoreboard updates and upcoming matchups against the Vancouver Canucks.
00:00 — Kings Lineup & Kuzmenko’s Return Debate
10:05 — Kings Prospect Playoff Updates
17:34 — Kopitar Masterton Nomination & Playoff Race
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: lockedonlakings.supercast.com
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.
Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOLAKings?sid=YouTube
Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL
#LosAngelesKings #LAKings #NHL
10 Comments
Kuzmenko goes back into the lineup to give the PP a boost. Pannarin has NOT improved the PP significantly when it comes to more goals. The PP is still powerless as it has been all season. Kuz is the missing link
IMO would prioritize Turcotte over Kuzmenko. Why is he in the doghouse with DJ I don't understand. It's a good sign that he's putting in work though…
Honestly, I would give Kuzmenko the edge if he is ready.
Wright is an AHL rookie along with being an NHL rookie.
I am not so much looking at talent, but pointing out that we have years to develop Wright.
Kuzmenko right now adds a bit more veteran presence, and with the summer coming up and Kuzmenko's contract coming up.
I'd like to play Kuzmenko to see what we have entering the summer.
I'd like to run that course heading into the summer.
Wright we have years to figure it out.
I'm calling it: the Ducks will only win 1 more game, and the Kings will only lose one more game. Meaning the Kings will finish 3rd in the Pacific and not even need a wild card spot.
Kuzmenko in !!! Trevor Moore out!!!!
If hes ready to go Kuzmenko gets immediately added to the lineup lol Do you think the way they are playing currently they have any chance of beating Colorado? That alone is enough of a reason to risk "lineup stability" if you can even call it that LOL
Kings will lose in regulation tonight
Kuzy in if he’s ready
Kuzi in Ward out. use him on the 4th line and PP where he excels. Kuzi can be swapped with the rookie when he's back to 200%
Leave him out, Kuzmenko is so overrated, there’s a reason he is already on his 4th team, and I also wouldn’t resign him!! Please just check his stats! Move on!!