Canucks Head to LA for Thursday Matchup with Kings

Vancouver begins a three-game California road trip against a Kings team fighting for a playoff spot.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant blue, green, and red colors.The Canucks and Kings face off in a crucial late-season matchup, with both teams looking to gain ground in the Western Conference playoff race.Los Angeles Today

The Vancouver Canucks hit the road for a three-game trip through California, beginning with a Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Kings. Four of the final five games of the Canucks' season will be on the road, and Thursday's game begins three games in four nights for them.

Why it matters

The Canucks are looking to finish the season strong, while the Kings are battling for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. This game kicks off an important road trip for Vancouver as they look to end the year on a high note.

The details

Linus Karlsson has three points in his last two games and has already set career-highs this season with 15 goals, 19 assists, and 34 points. Karlsson has averaged 12:21 of ice time per game this season and leads the team with a 53% control of expected goals at five-on-five. Thursday's game is the third of the season between the Canucks and Kings, with the teams meeting again next Tuesday for the Canucks' final home game of the season.

  • The game is on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. PT.
  • Four of the Canucks' final five games of the season will be on the road.

The players

Linus Karlsson

A Canucks forward who has set career-highs this season with 15 goals, 19 assists, and 34 points.

Adrian Kempe

The Kings' leading scorer this season with 32 goals and 69 points.

Drew Doughty

The Kings' defenseman who leads the team in average ice time per game at 23:08.

Anze Kopitar

The veteran Kings center in his 20th season with the team, winning 57.4% of his faceoffs.

Darcy Kuemper

The Kings' starting goaltender who has started 49 games this season with a .892 save percentage and 2.76 goals-against average.

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What they’re saying

“I thought he was solid. You can tell he was more square to pucks and in control of his body. He has a good game for us; he gave us a chance.”

— Adam Foote, Head Coach

“Every game is an opportunity. Nothing's changed. I try to do my best every day, every game, and show that I can play here.”

— Nikita Tolopilo, Canucks Goaltender

What’s next

The Canucks and Kings will meet again next Tuesday for the Canucks' final home game of the season.

The takeaway

This game kicks off an important road trip for the Canucks as they look to finish the season strong, while the Kings are fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The matchup between these two teams will be an intriguing one as both squads aim to end the year on a high note.