WRONG CALL: LA Kings decision contributes to a loss and for now costs the team a playoff spot
The Los Angeles Kings fall out of a playoff spot after a controversial coach’s challenge backfires, costing them momentum and potentially critical points. Did DJ Smith and his video team make the right call, or did a misinterpretation of the high stick rule doom the Kings against the red-hot Buffalo Sabres? Eddie Garcia breaks down Anton Forsberg’s rise as LA’s best option in net for now, Artemi Panarin’s offensive spark and power play transformation, and Andrei Kopitar’s renewed energy since the coaching change. The episode explores lineup shiffs with Joel Armia’s return and previews pivotal clashes ahead as the Kings battle the Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks for wild card supremacy. Special teams improvements, inconsistent finishing, and the impact of head-to-head matchups are all on the table. Kings fans face tough questions: Can they quickly rebound and reclaim their postseason dreams?
00:00 — Kings’ Costly Coaching Decision
Analysis of the critical mistake by LA Kings’ coaching staff, breakdown of the game vs Buffalo Sabres, and its impact on playoff race.
10:40 — Power Play & Goaltending Update
Discussion of Artemi Panarin’s effect on the Kings’ power play, Anton Forsberg’s performance as starting goalie, and lineup changes including Joel Armia’s return.
20:04 — Playoff Standings & Fan Experience
Update on Pacific Division standings, playoff scenarios for the Kings, and commentary on Sabres fans’ presence and community engagement.
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26 Comments
I hope we can erase this game fast. It’s definitely a bad call to challenge that play. Let’s go punch Utah
No , the Kings needed to out work the Sabres for 60 minutes ! They didn’t have to win , however they had to out work them , and they got out worked by a team who didn’t need the win . Which is exactly why they won’t make the post season , they don’t play sixty minutes !
Another fantastic two and half periods from the Kings.
I’ll say one thing about the high stick challenge, it was %100 the right call to challenge, because in a low scoring game ,and the Kings have one goal through 50 ish minutes on the PP , if it stands it’s %100 game over ! Because one goal for this group is a insurmountable amount for them to overcome ! So I agree with the challenge, because we suck so bad if they just left it 2-1 it was %100 over anyways ,
My biggest peeve with hiller and now still DJ , is goals come in bunches because one team turns up the intensity! Never the Kings , they have zero killer instinct! And they roll over after a goal either way . They just stink man !
Yes, it was too close to challenge. But the Kings didn't lose because of the challenge.
If there was no challenge, the score would be 1-2 when the goalie pull happened, which would become 1-3 with the ENG. It would still be a regulation loss.
Got to sit directly in line with Panarins goal and it was a beauty to see. Unfortunately, the Sabres are a better team and seeing a player as large as Thompson with hands like that was impressive.
We lost to a better team and sorry Trevor Moore has to go we need a producer in his spot bring someone up from Ontario and trade Moore , they keep running him out there and the same results , we need a dig at his position that has size and speed Moore has speed but he’s tiny and ineffective
You had power play stats backwards. Kings were 1/3 on power play. Sabres were 1/1.
buffalo fans are just happy their team isnt garbage for once, still never won a cup and will still lose this year again. Their fans will be silenced once more.
We’re just not good enough, simple as that, a bunch of forwards like Laferrière, Wright and Turcotte,that skate and work hard but produce little offence ..Kempe might be the leading scorer,but he’s a shadow of the player he was two or three years ago, he definitely has lot a step or two. And yes, Forsberg should be our starter from here on. Need to trade Moore, Byfield in the off season ,they’ve had their chance and gave it up..
Hope noboby parlayed the Pacific Division teams.😂
DJ smith doesn't know the rules
lol this guy complaining about sabres fans, the fan base that has had to deal with 50-70% opposing fans in their own building for a decade, way to flex your privilege bro
Is is too late to hire Gallant or DeBoer?
Half the fans in Crypto are the fans of the visiting east coast team. Coachella Valley in the AHL are the worst when they come to Ontario.
Your power play numbers were switch 1/1 buffalo 1/3 kings
If they can't even get through a normal game without a complete meltdown, no chance we're even making it to the big show.
Well like the coach says, it's only one game, now just look ahead at what they can do. There's only so many games this mentality will hold water for cause it's soon they're gonna tell you no lights, it's done. Sorry Kops.
Kings this year are the masters of just needing an extra few minutes to lose
I’ll be at the game tonight, hoping for a Kopitar goal
Not just bad call from the coach, the hit actually is the reason for the goal. Two players hit Benson and lost coverage of Carrick. It showed poor hockey intelligence.
yall played us very well. best matchup ive seen in a bit since that tampa fiasco. Hope ya get your spot back in the wildcard.
Man I wish the Sabres were in the west. Talking about a playoff spot with 28 wins is wild and here the Sabres are in the Atlantic where a team with 100 points might miss the playoffs.
Sabres had 3 penalties in row !!! Kings had 1 !!! what are you smoking dude??
Sabres would have won anyway.
As a 40+ Kings fan, my wife and I listen religiously! Keep it up and GKG!