Canucks' Hronek Looks to Extend Assist Streak Against Kings

Vancouver defenseman Filip Hronek aims to add to his 38 assists this season in Thursday's matchup with Los Angeles.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:20pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movement and competing forces of a hockey game between the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings, using sharp, overlapping planes of blue, green, black, and white.A cubist interpretation of the on-ice action as the Canucks and Kings battle for position and puck possession.Los Angeles Today

The Vancouver Canucks visit the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night, with defenseman Filip Hronek looking to continue his strong playmaking performance. Hronek leads the Canucks with 38 assists this season and has recorded assists in four of his last five games. The Kings' struggling penalty kill could provide opportunities for Hronek to set up his teammates on the power play.

Why it matters

Hronek's ability to distribute the puck has been a bright spot for the Canucks this season, and his continued production could be crucial as the team looks to make a late-season push. The Kings' penalty kill woes also present a chance for Hronek and the Canucks' power play to capitalize.

The details

Hronek has 20 of his 38 assists on the road this season, and he's hit the over on 0.5 assists in four of his last five games. The Czech defenseman also plays on the Canucks' top power-play unit alongside Marco Rossi, Brock Boeser, and Elias Pettersson, three of the team's best finishers. The Kings rank 30th in the NHL in penalty-kill percentage, which could lead to more opportunities for Hronek to set up his teammates.

  • Hronek has recorded 4 assists in April so far.
  • Hronek has hit the over on 0.5 assists in 3 straight road games.

The players

Filip Hronek

A veteran defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks who leads the team with 38 assists this season.

Marco Rossi

A forward for the Vancouver Canucks who is one of the team's best finishers and plays on the top power-play unit with Hronek.

Brock Boeser

A forward for the Vancouver Canucks who is one of the team's best finishers and plays on the top power-play unit with Hronek.

Elias Pettersson

A forward for the Vancouver Canucks who is one of the team's best finishers and plays on the top power-play unit with Hronek.

Los Angeles Kings

The opposing team, who rank 30th in the NHL in penalty-kill percentage, which could provide opportunities for Hronek and the Canucks' power play.

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What’s next

The Canucks and Kings will face off on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

Hronek's playmaking ability and the Kings' struggling penalty kill could create opportunities for the Canucks' power play, making Hronek's over/under on assists an intriguing betting option for Thursday's game.