Kings' Playoff Hopes Hinge on Goalie Performance

0:00On March 30th, the Los Angeles Kings got nine games left in the regular season, and they're still scrapping for a playoff spot in the Pacific Division. Pillow fight. They've shown some fire lately with better offense and push in the pace, but mediocrity defines them enough to hang around, not enough to surge ahead, in the standings. That five-game road trip in early March looked promising with real consistency, but it fizzled fast. Back home, they dropped a shootout to Philly, three to four on March 19th. Then one just one of their last five that month, against the league worst Vancouver Canucks. Saturday's 6-2 loss to Utah blew open a four-point gap to six points, highlighting their home woes and quick league collapses. Fans and analysts see the Kings chasing teams ahead while fending off those behind, but goal-tending is killing them. Darcy Quimper has been rough, with an 8-91 save percentage in March to 5th. 90s bowling's plan at least 10 games, and negative. Goals saved. Even back up Anton Four's birds at 8-94, it's cost him crucial points in tight races.

1:03Looking ahead, their schedule's a golden chance. Only three gains versus playoff squads, including two against Nashville, one point up. Against bottom feeders like Vancouver, twice. Calgary, St. Louis, and Toronto. No other contender gets that soft slate. Though six of nine are at crypto.com arena, where they're 10 and 17 and 8. If the Kings lock in consistency, fix home ice, and get goalie support, they control their own playoff fate in this wild western finish. NHL News today, powered by AI bringing you what matters on the field and beyond.