Kings Host Surging Sabres in Saturday Matinee

Panarin's production persists as Kings look to slow down NHL's hottest team

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:49pm

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The Los Angeles Kings conclude a short, two-game homestand this afternoon as they host the NHL's hottest team, the Buffalo Sabres, to conclude the season series between the two clubs. Forward Artemi Panarin has been a catalyst for the Kings since joining the team via trade, recording 15 points (4-11-15) in his first 12 games. The Kings will need their best players to be their best players against a Sabres team that has won 11 of its last 12 games and sits atop the Atlantic Division.

Why it matters

The Kings are fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, and a win against the surging Sabres would be a significant boost to their postseason hopes. Panarin's continued production will be crucial, as the Kings look to slow down one of the league's most potent offenses.

The details

The Kings did not hold a morning skate today, but forward Joel Armia is set to return to the lineup after missing the last ten games with a back injury. Forward Adrian Kempe will be a game-time decision. When these teams met in Buffalo earlier this season, Sabres forward Alex Tuch netted a hat trick in a 4-1 win. Tuch is second on the Sabres with 28 goals scored this season.

  • The Kings and Sabres will face off on Saturday, March 21 at 1:00 PM Pacific time at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
  • When the teams met in Buffalo in January, Kempe scored the only Kings goal in a 4-1 Sabres victory.

The players

Artemi Panarin

A skilled forward who has been a catalyst for the Kings since joining the team via trade, recording 15 points (4-11-15) in his first 12 games with the team.

Alex Tuch

A Sabres forward who netted a hat trick when these teams met in Buffalo earlier this season. Tuch is second on the Sabres with 28 goals scored this season.

Adrian Kempe

A Kings forward who scored the only goal for Los Angeles when these teams met in Buffalo. Kempe has eight points (3-5-8) over his last nine games played versus the Sabres.

Joel Armia

A Kings forward who is set to return to the lineup today after missing the last ten games with a back injury.

Brandt Clarke

A Kings defenseman who has been a bright spot for the team this month, ranking among the NHL's top defensemen in several statistical categories.

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What they’re saying

“He's so dynamic up there, just the plays he makes, the split-second reads he makes when a lane opens up, it's pretty remarkable. He's been such a catalyst for us since he's got here and down the stretch, we're lucky to have him.”

— Brandt Clarke, Kings Defenseman

“I think there are a lot of skilled players in the league that make a lot of plays, play on the outside, make a lot of tricky things happen, but a lot of stuff that doesn't accumulate the points. Some players in the league that have all kinds of talent, they just don't understand how to get points in the league. I think what's underrated is that he understands that, especially on the power play.”

— D.J. Smith, Interim Head Coach

What’s next

The Kings will hit the road for a three-game trip after today's game against the Sabres.

The takeaway

The Kings will need their best players, led by Artemi Panarin, to be at their best against the surging Sabres if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. The team's ability to slow down one of the league's most potent offenses will be crucial in this matchup.