Kings at Hurricanes: Canes Look to Bounce Back After Tough Loss

Carolina hosts Los Angeles in a key matchup between two playoff-contending teams

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:31am

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The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Washington Capitals when they host the Los Angeles Kings at home. The Hurricanes gave up a 3-0 lead in the previous game, leading to harsh criticism from head coach Rod Brind'Amour. The Kings are also fighting for a playoff spot, sitting just outside the wild card position. The game features a matchup between two teams desperate for points as the season winds down before the Olympic break.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for both teams as they jockey for playoff positioning. The Hurricanes are trying to maintain their spot atop the Metropolitan Division, while the Kings are battling to get into the postseason. The outcome could have major implications on the playoff race in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

The details

The Hurricanes will start Brandon Bussi in net instead of Freddie Andersen. Both teams are coming off games on Saturday, with the Kings defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime. Kings forward Adrian Kempe has been on a hot streak, recording points in six straight games, including a three-point performance against the Flyers. Goaltender Anton Forsberg, a former Hurricane, is expected to start for Los Angeles.

  • The Hurricanes and Kings will face off on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • This is the first of three games scheduled for the day, with the league focusing the spotlight on the upcoming Stadium Series game in Tampa.

The players

Rod Brind'Amour

Head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes who gave a harsh critique of the team's performance in their previous loss.

Adrian Kempe

Los Angeles Kings forward who has been on a scoring tear, recording points in six straight games.

Anton Forsberg

Goaltender for the Los Angeles Kings who is a former member of the Carolina Hurricanes organization.

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What they’re saying

“We must tighten things up if we want to carry good vibes into the break.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Head Coach

What’s next

The Hurricanes will look to bounce back and secure a win before the Olympic break, while the Kings will try to continue their push for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Hurricanes and Kings features two teams desperate for points as they jockey for playoff positioning. The outcome could have significant implications on the postseason races in both conferences.