Kings Hit the Road Hoping to Save Their Season

Long road trips have kept the struggling Kings afloat as they chase the final Western Conference wild card playoff spot.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Los Angeles Kings, battered by injuries and trades, are heading out on a crucial five-game road trip that could make or break their season. Despite a disappointing home record, the Kings have found success on the road this year, collecting 25 of a possible 32 points on prior long trips. Now just three points back of the final Western Conference wild card spot, the Kings will face tough matchups against the Blue Jackets, Bruins, Islanders, Devils, and Rangers over the next two weeks.

Why it matters

The Kings' struggles at home have put their playoff hopes in jeopardy, but their ability to pick up points on the road has kept them in the hunt. This road trip represents a make-or-break opportunity for the team to save their season and secure a postseason berth.

The details

The Kings have been plagued by injuries and trades, with key players like Kevin Fiala, Andrei Kuzmenko, Joel Armia, and Quinton Byfield all missing significant time. Despite these challenges, interim coach D.J. Smith has the team working hard and staying competitive. Rookie Alex Laferriere has been a bright spot, scoring in three of his last four games after a dry spell. The Kings will face tough opponents on this road trip, including the surging Blue Jackets, the league-leading Bruins, and the playoff-contending Islanders, Devils, and Rangers.

  • The Kings will start their road trip on Monday, March 11, with a makeup game against the Blue Jackets.
  • They will then travel to Boston to face the Bruins on Tuesday, March 12.
  • After two days off, the Kings will play three games in four nights against the Islanders, Devils, and Rangers from March 15-18.

The players

D.J. Smith

The interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, tasked with leading the team through a difficult season and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Adrian Kempe

One of the few Kings players to have appeared in all 62 games this season, Kempe has been a consistent contributor for the team.

Alex Laferriere

A rookie forward for the Kings who has been a bright spot, scoring in three of his last four games after a recent dry spell.

Anže Kopitar

The Kings' captain, who has been revitalized of late but is still on track for several career lows and has already missed a career-high 15 games.

Ken Holland

The general manager of the Los Angeles Kings, who recently stated that he views Laferriere as a right wing despite the rookie spending considerable time at center this season.

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What they’re saying

“We have to refocus our work ethic and effort, and that's a hard one. But you've got to let it go and we've got a huge road trip coming.”

— D.J. Smith, Interim Head Coach (ocregister.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.