Kopitar's Kings Fight for Playoff Life

0:00It's April 22. From your city to your ears, this is California News Today, powered by AI. Anzacopatar, the King's captain and future Hall of Famer, wrapped up his 20th NHL season at home by telling fans it was just goodbye for now. Promising he'd be back for the playoffs, true to his word, he's suiting up Thursday for Game 3 against the Colorado Avalanche at Crypto.com, Arena, with LA down 0-2 in there. This round series after tight losses in Denver. The Avalanche dominated the regular season, topping the league in wins, points, goal scored, and fewest allowed, while the King's barely snuck in as the last wildcard, needing points in 11 of their final 13 games, despite a brutal minus 22 goal differential. King's Interim Coach DJ Smith says his squad's battling hard to a man, a fustling and outskating Colorado for stretches, but good effort and cutting in, they hope to steal. A split on the road, and now got a win at home, to keep Copa Tar's career alive, past

1:04one round, for once. In Game 2 Tuesday, LA blew chances like five power plays, a penalty shot, and their first lead of the series late, only for Colorado to tie and win. In overtime on a rebound, marking the King's record 21st OT lost this year, amid wild fan chaos that shattered glass behind their bench. With their last six post seasons ending early, the pressure's on for these next two home games. If they falter, Copa Tar's retirement hits sooner than planned, but the fire in this team's eyes says they're ready to flip the script.