Kings Soar Into Playoff Spot With Decisive Win Over Canucks

Los Angeles moves one point ahead of Nashville for second Western Conference wild card spot.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:48am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with overlapping planes of blue, red, and white shapes representing the players, puck, and arena.The Kings' decisive victory over the struggling Canucks showcases the team's determination to secure a playoff spot in the tight Western Conference race.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Kings secured a crucial 4-1 victory over the struggling Vancouver Canucks on April 9, 2026, propelling the team into a playoff position in the Western Conference standings. Led by a two-goal performance from Adrian Kempe, the Kings' third consecutive win vaulted them one point ahead of the Nashville Predators for the second wild card spot, with a game in hand.

Why it matters

The Kings' recent surge has put them firmly in control of their own postseason destiny, capitalizing on a slump by the Predators to gain ground in the tight Western Conference playoff race. Meanwhile, the Canucks' 10th loss in their last 11 games highlights the team's ongoing struggles this season.

The details

Los Angeles jumped out to an early lead on Kempe's first-period goal, but Vancouver equalized late in the opening frame. The Kings then scored twice more in the second period, including Kempe's second tally, to regain control. Trevor Moore's third-period insurance goal sealed the 4-1 victory for the home team. Goaltender Anton Forsberg made 24 saves to earn the win for Los Angeles.

  • The Los Angeles Kings moved into a playoff position on April 9, 2026.
  • The Kings secured their third consecutive victory on April 9, 2026.
  • The Canucks have now lost 10 of their last 11 games.

The players

Adrian Kempe

A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who scored two goals in the team's 4-1 win over the Canucks.

Anton Forsberg

The goaltender for the Los Angeles Kings who made 24 saves in the victory.

Marcus Pettersson

A forward for the Vancouver Canucks who scored the team's lone goal in the loss.

Nikita Tolopilo

The goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks who made 22 saves in the contest.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with this level of intensity and focus if we want to secure a playoff spot.”

— Adrian Kempe, Forward, Los Angeles Kings

What’s next

The Los Angeles Kings will host the Edmonton Oilers on April 11, 2026, while the Vancouver Canucks will travel to face the San Jose Sharks on the same date.

The takeaway

The Kings' recent surge has put them in prime position to clinch a playoff berth, showcasing the team's resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities. Meanwhile, the Canucks' prolonged struggles underscore the need for the organization to regroup and find solutions to turn their season around.