Kings Look to Clinch Playoff Spot in Tight Battle with Kraken

Los Angeles aims to secure postseason berth with win over eliminated Seattle squad

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:37pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action of a hockey game, with sharp planes of color representing the players and movement of the puck on the ice.The intense battle between the Kings and Kraken is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, reflecting the tight, high-energy matchups between the two teams.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Kings have a chance to clinch a playoff spot tonight as they visit the Seattle Kraken. The Kings, led by interim head coach D.J. Smith, have fought their way back into playoff position after being several points out earlier in the season. A win over the Kraken, combined with a Nashville loss, would officially punch the Kings' ticket to the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the Kings know the job is not done, as they still have three road games remaining to solidify their spot.

Why it matters

The Kings' late-season surge has been impressive, as they've made up significant ground on teams like Anaheim, Vegas and Edmonton in the Pacific Division standings. Securing a playoff berth would be a major accomplishment for this group, which has dealt with its fair share of ups and downs this season. A postseason appearance would also provide valuable experience for the team's young core as they look to build towards sustained success.

The details

The Kings and Kraken have played a number of tight games this season, with six of the last seven matchups being decided by one or two goals. Seattle was recently eliminated from playoff contention, but the team has shown it can still play spoiler, as evidenced by a recent win over Vegas. The Kings will need to be sharp defensively and capitalize on their limited scoring chances against the Kraken.

  • The Kings and Kraken will face off on Monday, April 13 at 6:30 PM Pacific time.
  • The Kings have not clinched a playoff spot yet, but a win tonight combined with a Nashville loss would officially secure their postseason berth.

The players

Adrian Kempe

The Kings forward has two assists in three games played against the Kraken this season.

Brandt Clarke

The Kings defenseman has also recorded two assists in three games versus Seattle.

Trevor Moore

The Kings forward has six points (3-3-6) and a +9 rating in eight career games played at Climate Pledge Arena, tied for the best +/- in Seattle in NHL history.

Anton Forsberg

The Kings' expected starting goaltender made 30 saves on 33 shots faced in a previous matchup against the Kraken this season, a 3-2 overtime defeat.

Vince Dunn

The Kraken defenseman is one of three players on Seattle with four points in three games played against the Kings this season.

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What they’re saying

“For sure. I don't know how many points we were out when I took over, I just know that we were out. And here we are. The job isn't done, but here we are.”

— D.J. Smith, Interim Head Coach, Los Angeles Kings

“I think we did a pretty good job at home and confidence is a big thing at this time of the year and I think we're catching it at the right time. There's a lot of belief in this room and in each other, it's been a lot of fun. We need to keep this going. Huge game for us tonight and a huge stretch. It's a lot of fun playing in these games.”

— Scott Laughton, Forward, Los Angeles Kings

“Both teams skate really well and check really well and they're pretty deep throughout their lineup, so they have guys that can play and obviously they're not afraid to play everyone in their lineup. It creates a battle……it'll probably be another tight one tonight.”

— Brian Dumoulin, Defenseman, Los Angeles Kings

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.