Kings and Predators Clash in Key Wild-Card Matchup

The two teams are tied in the race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:37pm

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The Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators will face off in a crucial game on Monday night, as the two teams are currently tied in the standings for the final wild-card playoff spot in the Western Conference. Both teams picked up important wins on Saturday, setting the stage for this high-stakes showdown.

Why it matters

This game has major implications for the playoff race, as the Kings and Predators are battling for the last wild-card berth in the West. The winner will gain a crucial advantage in the final stretch of the season.

The details

The Kings and Predators have met twice already this season, with Nashville winning both games 5-4 in shootouts. However, the Kings will be hoping for a different result this time, as they are making a late push for the playoffs. Goaltending has been a concern for the Kings, with starter Darcy Kuemper struggling of late and backup Anton Forsberg outperforming him.

  • The Kings and Predators will face off on Monday, April 5, 2026.
  • The Kings defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 7-6 in overtime on Saturday, April 3, 2026.
  • The Predators defeated the San Jose Sharks 6-3 on Saturday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Anže Kopitar

A veteran center for the Los Angeles Kings who is nearing retirement after a storied career.

Ryan O'Reilly

A forward for the Nashville Predators and a former Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

Jonathan Marcessault

A forward for the Nashville Predators and a former Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

Roman Josi

A defenseman for the Nashville Predators and a former Norris Trophy winner.

Steven Stamkos

A forward for the Nashville Predators and a two-time Stanley Cup champion.

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What they’re saying

“If we played great and we lost 3-2 tonight to a top goaltending display, I'd sit here and not feel any better with a moral victory. So we're going to take that and we're going to take the two points, and then we're just going to throw the tape away and we're going to move on to the next one.”

— D.J. Smith, Interim Head Coach, Los Angeles Kings

“I'm going to talk to (goalie coach Mike Buckley), and I'm going to talk to management. I'm going to talk to everyone involved and see where we're going with our lineup in general, not just (Kuemper). I mean, there were some guys that played really well, then there were some guys that didn't play well at all (against Toronto). So there has to be accountability for how you play, and if there's somebody that can come in and help us, we're going to do it.”

— D.J. Smith, Interim Head Coach, Los Angeles Kings

What’s next

The Kings and Predators will face off on Monday, April 5, 2026, in a game that will have major implications for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

This game between the Kings and Predators is a must-watch for hockey fans, as it features two teams battling for their playoff lives in a high-stakes showdown. The outcome of this game could have a significant impact on the final standings in the Western Conference.