LA Kings Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against Canucks

Kings in tight race for Western Conference wild card spot with five games left in regular season

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:10pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the intense, fast-paced action of a professional hockey game, with players' movements and equipment blending into a vibrant, energetic composition.The Kings' high-octane offense and stifling defense will be on full display as they battle to extend their winning streak and secure a playoff spot.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Kings are on a mission to extend their winning streak and secure a playoff spot in the tight Western Conference race. With five games remaining, the Kings are in a strong position with 83 points and a game in hand on Nashville, but they can't afford any slip-ups. The upcoming matchup against the struggling Vancouver Canucks is a crucial must-win game for the Kings as they look to build momentum and solidify their postseason berth.

Why it matters

The Kings' inconsistent form this season has left them in a tight battle for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. With the playoffs on the line, every game is critical, and the Kings need to find their elusive winning streak to pull away from the pack and clinch a postseason berth.

The details

The Kings have just one four-game winning streak and one losing streak of four-plus games in regulation this season, highlighting their up-and-down campaign. However, they have a chance to turn things around against the Canucks, who are in 32nd place in the NHL and playing for roles and jobs next season. Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg has been in excellent form recently, posting a .945 save percentage in his last two appearances, and will get the start against Vancouver. Quinton Byfield has also been a key contributor for the Kings, recording 11 points in his last 11 games despite playing through an injury.

  • The Kings have five games remaining in the regular season.
  • The Kings face the Canucks in a crucial matchup on April 12, 2026.

The players

Anton Forsberg

The Kings' goaltender who has been in excellent form recently, posting a .945 save percentage in his last two appearances.

Quinton Byfield

The Kings' forward who has been a key contributor, recording 11 points in his last 11 games despite playing through an injury.

D.J. Smith

The Kings' interim head coach who is familiar with Forsberg and has praised his work ethic and mental toughness.

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What they’re saying

“Anton Forsberg has earned this start with his recent play, and his work ethic and mental toughness have been impressive.”

— D.J. Smith, Interim Head Coach, LA Kings

What’s next

The Kings have a crucial five-game stretch over the next eight days, and they will need both Forsberg and Darcy Kuemper to be at their best to secure a playoff spot.

The takeaway

The Kings' fate is in their own hands, and they are determined to find their winning streak and secure a playoff spot in the tight Western Conference race. The upcoming game against the Canucks is a must-win, and the team's confidence is high as they look to build momentum and solidify their postseason berth.