Kings Edge Predators 3-2 in Shootout

Adrian Kempe scores lone goal in extra session to tighten Western Conference playoff race

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:01am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the ice reduced to angular, abstracted shapes in a palette of deep blues, greens, and reds.The Kings' shootout victory over the Predators adds another chapter to their tight Western Conference playoff race.Los Angeles Today

In a tight Western Conference matchup, the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Nashville Predators 3-2 in a shootout on Monday night. Adrian Kempe scored the decisive goal in the second round of the shootout to give the Kings the victory. The game featured a back-and-forth affair, with Joel Armia and Scott Laughton scoring for the Kings, while Steven Stamkos and Roman Josi found the net for the Predators.

Why it matters

This win tightens the Western Conference playoff race, as the Kings continue to jockey for position. The teams have now played three close games this season, all decided by a shootout, underscoring the competitive nature of their matchup.

The details

The Kings and Predators traded goals throughout the game, with the Kings taking a 2-1 lead in the second period on Laughton's tally. However, the Predators knotted the score at 2-2 early in the third on Josi's goal. The game went to a shootout, where Kempe scored the lone goal to give the Kings the victory. Los Angeles goaltender Anton Forsberg made 29 saves in the win, while Nashville's Juuse Saros stopped 26 shots.

  • The game was played on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • The Kings and Predators have now played three games decided by a shootout this season.

The players

Adrian Kempe

Los Angeles Kings center who scored the decisive goal in the shootout.

Joel Armia

Los Angeles Kings forward who opened the scoring for the team.

Scott Laughton

Los Angeles Kings forward who gave the team a 2-1 lead in the second period.

Steven Stamkos

Nashville Predators forward who tied the game at 1-1.

Roman Josi

Nashville Predators defenseman who knotted the score at 2-2 in the third period.

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What they’re saying

“This was a big win for us in a tight playoff race. We battled hard and found a way to get the extra point.”

— Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles Kings Center

What’s next

The Predators will visit the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, while the Kings will host the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.

The takeaway

This back-and-forth game between the Kings and Predators underscores the competitive nature of the Western Conference playoff race, with both teams fighting for crucial points. The Kings' ability to win in a shootout, a format that has decided all three of their matchups this season, could prove pivotal as the season winds down.