Kings Look to Improve Slow Starts Against Maple Leafs

Los Angeles hosts Toronto in a Saturday afternoon matchup at Crypto.com Arena.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:35pm

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The Los Angeles Kings (30-26-19) host the Toronto Maple Leafs (32-31-13) in a Saturday afternoon NHL matchup at Crypto.com Arena. The Kings have struggled with slow starts in recent games, an issue they'll look to address against a Toronto team that has been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

Why it matters

The Kings' slow starts have been a concerning trend, as they've fallen behind early in three consecutive games. Improving their energy and competitiveness from the opening puck drop will be crucial as Los Angeles fights to maintain their position in the Western Conference playoff race.

The details

The Kings acquired forward Scott Laughton from the Maple Leafs at the trade deadline, and he'll face his former team for the first time. Laughton has provided a boost to the Kings' third line, contributing four goals and six points in 14 games since the trade. Goaltender Anton Forsberg is expected to get the start for Los Angeles after a strong performance in the team's last outing.

  • The Kings and Maple Leafs last met in November, with Los Angeles winning 4-3 in overtime.
  • Saturday's game is the 76th of 82 regular-season games for both teams.

The players

Scott Laughton

A forward acquired by the Kings at the trade deadline, Laughton played the last two seasons with the Maple Leafs.

Anze Kopitar

The Kings' veteran captain praised Laughton's impact as a 'perfect role player' since joining the team.

Anton Forsberg

The Kings' goaltender has a .910 save percentage in his career against the Maple Leafs and is expected to start Saturday.

John Tavares

The Maple Leafs' leading scorer this season with 29 goals, Tavares has nine goals in his last nine games against the Kings.

D.J. Smith

The Kings' interim head coach has emphasized the need for better starts from his team in recent games.

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What they’re saying

“We just weren't competing and I think that was a theme against Utah. It's unacceptable this time of year.”

— Trevor Moore, Kings forward

“You've got to simplify it, start by winning the opening drop and you've got to put it in and you've got to forecheck and then you get a couple of shifts and you get it going.”

— D.J. Smith, Kings interim head coach

What’s next

The Kings host the Nashville Predators on Monday in a crucial game that could impact the Western Conference wild card race.

The takeaway

The Kings' slow starts have been a concerning issue, and they'll need to come out with urgency and competitiveness from the opening faceoff against the Maple Leafs to keep their playoff hopes on track.