As the NHL approaches the post-season, one team is progressively asserting itself as a dark horse in the Western Conference: the Los Angeles Kings. Though heavyweights such as the Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, and Dallas Stars tend to draw attention, the Kings have quietly become one of the most formidable teams in the league.
With a recent surge marked by victories over Stanley Cup contenders like the Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, and the Vegas Golden Knights, the Kings have a roster built on depth, experience, and defensive stoutness. Los Angeles possesses all the pieces of an outfit with the potential to make a deep postseason push.
A Dominant Second Half
The Kings’ strong second half of the season has been the best proof that the team is prepared to play with the NHL elite. Their recent offensive outburst only strengthens their case. LA scored 14 goals in back-to-back games against Carolina and Boson, earning matching 7-2 wins.
The Kings’ repeatedly rising to the challenge against Western Conference rivals has been awe-inspiring. They’ve demonstrated a remarkable ability to stand their ground against some of the NHL’s most talented clubs.
Also, the Kings’ offense reached all-time highs. For the first time since 1995, the Los Angeles team scored seven goals in back-to-back games, demonstrating their new scoring depth and ability to overwhelm teams.
This is the first time the Kings have scored at least seven goals in two straight games since April 1995.
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) March 24, 2025
But there have been times when the Kings’ have played down to their competition, losing to teams that are sub .500 or barely above .500. Compared to their success over the contenders in the Western Conference, the Kings have struggled against Eastern Conference foes, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning.
These head-to-head performances in the West are especially noteworthy given the physicality and playoff-like intensity. But it is all about matchups because specific teams would struggle against the teams that the Kings have had success over, but with their offensive and defensive depth, they can go toe-toe with any team in the league.
Balanced Scoring Depth
The Kings’ most significant asset has been their ability to produce from all four lines. In Saturday’s 7-2 romp of Carolina, all 12 forwards earned a point—a rare accomplishment indicating the team’s superior depth.
This scoring balance is a central focus for those teams hoping to make a profound playoff run. Most Stanley Cup teams employ all-stars to do a large chunk of the scoring, but the Kings have assembled a group of forwards that evenly distributes offense across the lineup.
The @LAKings are winning games and making franchise history along the way! #GoKingsGopic.twitter.com/FVjdXw6z9A
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) March 23, 2025
Veterans such as Kevin Fiala and Anze Kopitar provide leadership and scoring punch, while young stars such as Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke step up to take the pressure off those veteran players.
Goaltending Stability
During an injury-plagued and uneven season across the NHL’s goalie pool, the Kings have found reliability in goal at the best possible time. Darcy Kuemper’s experience as a proven postseason goaltender provides some confidence if the Kings are compelled to rotate their goaltenders through a series of playoff games.
David Rittich has emerged as a calming presence, making strong efforts as part of the team’s current winning streak. Rittich’s sound positional play and level-headed demeanor have allowed the Kings to stay competitive in low-scoring, close games—an essential aspect of playoff hockey.
Goalies are primarily the most significant pieces during a playoff run because their ability to defend the opponent’s offense at an elite level gives your team a chance to win every game.
With their rugged goalie tandem between the pipes, the Kings feel secure shutting down potent, attack-minded offenses, and they do so most effectively when paired with their steady defense.
Defensive Toughness
The Kings’ blue line has silently emerged as one of the most underrated collections of players in the NHL. Drew Doughty’s experience still calms down the blue line, and Joel Edmundson’s scoring and toughness should help the Kings be formidable with his two-way play. The Kings’ defense is especially good at shutting down high-danger scoring opportunities, excelling at neutralizing some of the Western Conference’s top scorers.
The Kings have four different defensive pairings ranked in Money Puck’s top ten for expected goal share (minimum 150 minutes).
Notice a pattern?#GoKingsGopic.twitter.com/HfsuPt4xNj
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) March 24, 2025
Their penalty kill has also been a key factor in their recent run, shutting down power plays with an aggressive but disciplined style. Improved special teams play might be a game-changer in close playoff contests, where the special teams have a way of shifting momentum.
Veteran Leadership and Experience
Having veteran stars on the frontline is a massive boost for the Kings. Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, and Trevor Lewis possess multiple years of postseason experience and have won Stanley Cup titles, having won the championship in 2012 and 2014.
The foundation knows about playing with a playoff intensity level, strategy, and mental toughness to perform in the postseason. Leadership provides stability when games are on the line, as younger skaters like Quinton Byfield and Arthur Kaliyev learn alongside them.
This blend of old-school smarts and youthful energy gives the Kings a unique balance few Western Conference clubs can equal.
Key Matchups Favor the Kings
One of the most promising signs of the Kings’ playoff chances is their strong record against the Western Conference Titans. Los Angeles has regularly gained points against top teams like the Golden Knights, Oilers, Jets, and Stars. These contests have provided a preview of how the Kings’ defensive accountability, goaltending depth, and balanced scoring can frustrate elite teams.
For instance, the Kings’ ability to quiet the Oilers’ potent offense and capitalize on defensive blunders has been critical in their head-to-head games. Similarly, their stout defense has neutralized the Golden Knights’ heavy forecheck and physicality. This trend of success against conference opponents suggests that the Kings are built to thrive in the Western Conference playoff series and will be much better because they will have time to adjust and figure out their opponents in a seven-game series.
The Road Ahead
With their blend of veteran leadership, depth scoring, defensive solidity, and recent play, the Los Angeles Kings want to become the Western Conference’s most potent dark horse. If they keep winning against playoff teams as they have recently and stay with their balanced style, they might be a threat to win their first championship in over a decade.
Kings move back into second place in the Pacific Division. 👑 pic.twitter.com/N3BGJGtnvy
— Locked On LA Kings (@LockedOnLAKings) March 24, 2025
In a division where momentum all too often defines postseason success, the Kings have quietly built a foundation that could carry them into June. While not receiving the same hype as Edmonton or Winnipeg, their current stretch shows they can dash the NHL’s best hopes and make a deep playoff run again.
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