Kings Beat Predators in Shootout, Boost Playoff Hopes

Adrian Kempe's shootout goal lifts LA to key victory in tight Western Conference race.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:30pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense action of a hockey shootout, with players and the puck fractured into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes.The Kings' shootout victory over the Predators keeps their playoff hopes alive in the tight Western Conference race.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Nashville Predators 3-2 in a shootout on Monday night, tightening the Western Conference playoff race. Adrian Kempe scored the lone goal in the second round of the shootout to secure the win for the Kings, who have played extra time in 7 of their last 10 games and 32 times this season.

Why it matters

The Kings' victory over the Predators is crucial in the tight Western Conference playoff race, as both teams are jockeying for position. The Kings have been involved in a high number of overtime and shootout games this season, indicating the close, competitive nature of their games.

The details

After the teams were tied 2-2 through regulation and overtime, Adrian Kempe scored the only goal of the shootout in the second round to give the Kings the win. The Kings and Predators have both been involved in a high number of extra time games this season, reflecting the close battles in the Western Conference playoff race.

  • The game was played on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Adrian Kempe

A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who scored the winning goal in the shootout.

Los Angeles Kings

An NHL team based in Los Angeles, California that is competing for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Nashville Predators

An NHL team based in Nashville, Tennessee that is also competing for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough game against a great team like the Predators. But the guys battled hard and Adrian came through in the shootout to get us the two points.”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach, Los Angeles Kings

The takeaway

The Kings' victory over the Predators in a shootout is a crucial result in the tight Western Conference playoff race, as both teams are fighting for postseason positioning. The high number of overtime games the Kings have played this season reflects the competitive nature of the conference.