LA Kings UP and DOWN season recap, MAJOR moments and an EARLY look ahead to next season
From Locked On Kings - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Kings by Eddie Garcia, Locked On Podcast Network
April 28, 2026 · 31 min · Episode 1499
About this episode
Eddie Garcia reviews the LA Kings' inconsistent season, highlighting key moments and looking ahead to the next season.
The Los Angeles Kings suffer another first-round playoff exit after a season marked by inconsistency and crucial turning points. Eddie Garcia looks back at this season spotlights the arrival of Artemi Panarin in a blockbuster trade, Kevin Fiala’s devastating Olympic injury, and franchise legend Anze Kopitar eclipsing Marcel Dionne’s all-time points record—each moment redefining the Kings’ rollercoaster campaign. Key topics include the Kings' alarming struggles on home ice, D.J. Smith’s effect as interim head coach following Jim Hiller’s dismissal, and looming offseason questions about the team’s search for a top-six center. Get a comprehensive look at contract outlooks for core players and upcoming decisions on unrestricted free agents. Can General Manager Ken Holland turn the Kings into true Stanley Cup contenders, or is a reset on the horizon for L.A.'s hockey faithful?
People in this episode
Host: Eddie Garcia
Topics covered
- season recap
- playoff exit
- key moments
- team struggles
- coaching changes
- offseason outlook
Keywords
- LA Kings
- playoffs
- Artemi Panarin
- Kevin Fiala
- Anze Kopitar
- D.J. Smith
- Stanley Cup
- offseason
- NHL
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Los Angeles Kings, Stanley Cup, Ken Holland
Books & works: Marcel Dionne’s all-time points record
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