Kings Overcome 3-Goal Deficit, Fall in Shootout to Predators

LA Kings set NHL record for overtime/shootout defeats in 5-4 loss to Nashville

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:19am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey game, with sharp geometric shapes in navy blue, crimson red, and metallic silver representing the players, equipment, and ice surface, conveying the dynamic energy and tension of the close contest.The Kings' thrilling comeback effort against the Predators is captured in a cubist, geometric painting that deconstructs the action on the ice.Los Angeles Today

The LA Kings overcame a three-goal deficit to force overtime against the Nashville Predators, but ultimately fell 5-4 in the shootout, setting an NHL record for overtime/shootout defeats. The Predators jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but the Kings battled back with four unanswered goals to tie the game and force extra time, where neither team could find the winner.

Why it matters

The Kings' comeback effort and eventual shootout loss highlights the team's resilience and ability to battle back from large deficits, but also their continued struggles in close games that go beyond regulation. The defeat sets a new league record for the Kings, underscoring their need to improve their performance in overtime and shootout situations.

The details

The Predators opened the scoring just 17 seconds into the game and quickly built a 3-0 lead early in the second period. However, the Kings stormed back with four unanswered goals, including two from Adrian Kempe, to tie the game at 4-4 and force overtime. After a scoreless extra period, the teams went to a shootout that saw 15 consecutive shooters fail to score before Nashville's Luke Evangelista netted the winner in the eighth round.

  • The Predators scored just 17 seconds into the game.
  • Nashville made it 2-0 less than 4 minutes into the game.
  • The Predators extended their lead to 3-0 early in the second period.
  • The Kings scored their first goal just over 6 minutes into the second period.
  • The Kings scored twice more in the second period to make it 4-3.
  • The Kings tied the game at 4-4 just shy of the halfway mark in the third period.
  • The game went to a shootout after a scoreless overtime period.

The players

Filip Forsberg

Nashville Predators forward who scored the opening goal 17 seconds into the game.

Zachary L'Heureux

Nashville Predators forward who scored to make it 2-0 early in the game.

Jonathan Marchessault

Nashville Predators forward who scored to make it 3-0 early in the second period.

Adrian Kempe

LA Kings forward who scored two goals to lead the Kings' comeback effort.

Luke Evangelista

Nashville Predators forward who scored the winning goal in the eighth round of the shootout.

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What they’re saying

“We showed a lot of fight to come back from three goals down, but ultimately came up short. We'll need to learn from this and find ways to close out these close games.”

— Anze Kopitar, LA Kings Captain

“It was a wild game, but we found a way to get the extra point. Credit to the Kings for battling back, but we're just happy to come away with the win.”

— John Hynes, Nashville Predators Head Coach

What’s next

The Kings will look to bounce back in their next game against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday, April 4th.

The takeaway

The Kings' ability to overcome a large deficit and force overtime showcases their resilience, but their continued struggles in close games that go beyond regulation highlight an area the team needs to improve on if they want to be a true contender in the Western Conference.