Kings Aim to Solve Kraken in Fourth Matchup

LA looks to extend winning streak to five games and clinch playoff spot

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Los Angeles Kings and Seattle Kraken, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.The Kings and Kraken's fourth matchup of the season promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams fighting for crucial points in the playoff race.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Kings are riding a four-game winning streak as they head to Seattle to take on the Kraken for the fourth time this season. The Kings have struggled against the Kraken so far, going 0-3 in the season series, but a win tonight could help them clinch a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Why it matters

The Kings are fighting for a playoff spot in the tight Western Conference race, and their inability to solve the Kraken has been a thorn in their side. A win tonight would not only extend their winning streak but also give them a crucial two points as they look to secure a postseason berth.

The details

The Kings have been led by the strong play of goaltender Anton Forsberg, who recorded his third shutout of the season in the team's last game. Artemi Panarin has also been a key contributor since being acquired by the Kings, tallying 26 points in his first 23 games with the team. The Kraken, meanwhile, have been paced by the recent scoring surge of Bobby McMann, who has scored in eight of his 14 games since joining the team at the trade deadline.

  • The Kings and Kraken will face off at 6:30 pm Pacific Time on April 13, 2026.
  • The Kings are currently riding a four-game winning streak heading into tonight's matchup.
  • The Kraken defeated the Kings in the first three meetings of the season series.

The players

Anton Forsberg

The Kings' starting goaltender, who has recorded three shutouts this season and has been a key factor in the team's recent success.

Artemi Panarin

The veteran forward acquired by the Kings in a trade, who has tallied 26 points in his first 23 games with the team.

Bobby McMann

The Kraken forward who has scored in eight of his 14 games since joining the team at the trade deadline.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to find a way to solve this Kraken team. They've had our number so far, but we're playing our best hockey of the season right now. This is a big opportunity for us to clinch a playoff spot.”

— Anze Kopitar, Kings Captain

“We've been playing with a lot of confidence lately, and that's something we want to carry over into this game against the Kings. They're a tough team, but we know we can beat them if we play our game.”

— Matty Beniers, Kraken Center

What’s next

The Kings will play their final three regular season games against teams that have already been eliminated from playoff contention, giving them a chance to secure a postseason berth.

The takeaway

The Kings' ability to finally solve the Kraken and extend their winning streak could be the key to clinching a playoff spot in the tight Western Conference race. Their recent strong play, combined with the Kraken's struggles against them at home, suggest this could be the game where the Kings finally break through.