Anze Kopitar's Career Extended as Kings Clinch Playoffs

Los Angeles captain to have one more shot at Stanley Cup before retirement.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:55am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the raw energy and emotion of a professional hockey game, players' forms dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.As Anze Kopitar's storied career nears its end, the Los Angeles Kings' dramatic playoff push showcases the team's resilience and determination to send their captain out on a high note.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Kings have clinched a spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, extending the career of longtime captain Anze Kopitar. Kopitar, who announced his retirement before the season, will now have a chance to win one more championship before hanging up his skates.

Why it matters

Kopitar is the only captain in Kings history to lead the franchise to a Stanley Cup title. His potential final playoff run will be an emotional send-off for one of the most decorated players in LA sports history.

The details

In Monday's 5-3 win over the Seattle Kraken, Kopitar recorded an assist on Adrian Kempe's 35th goal of the season, helping the Kings clinch their playoff berth. Los Angeles has been on a hot streak, winning five straight games after a brutal slump in March that threatened to keep them out of the postseason.

  • The Kings clinched their playoff spot on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • Kopitar announced his retirement before the start of the 2025-26 season.

The players

Anze Kopitar

The longtime captain of the Los Angeles Kings, who led the franchise to a Stanley Cup championship in 2012. Kopitar announced his retirement before the start of the 2025-26 season, but will now have one more chance at a title before hanging up his skates.

Adrian Kempe

A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who scored the go-ahead goal in Monday's game against the Seattle Kraken, helping the team clinch a playoff berth.

Alex Laferriere

A Los Angeles Kings player who scored an empty-net goal at the end of Monday's game to seal the 5-3 victory over the Seattle Kraken.

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What they’re saying

“This is an incredible opportunity for Anze and the entire team. We're thrilled to have one more shot at the Stanley Cup before he retires.”

— Rob Blake, General Manager, Los Angeles Kings

What’s next

The Kings will close out the regular season on Tuesday, April 15, 2026 against the Vancouver Canucks. Their first-round playoff opponent is still to be determined, as their seeding in the postseason remains undecided.

The takeaway

Anze Kopitar's potential final playoff run with the Los Angeles Kings will be a fitting end to the career of one of the franchise's all-time greats. The team's ability to rally down the stretch and clinch a postseason berth shows their resilience and determination to send their captain out on a high note.