Locked On Kings - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Kings

LA Kings’ leadership vacuum looms as Drew Doughty declares, “It would mean the world to me to be the captain,” and seemingly issues an endorsement for D.J. Smith to remain head coach. Can Doughty anchor a new era while Brant Clarke eyes the No. 1 defenseman role? With Anze Kopitar departing, the culture and core identity of the Kings face a pivotal turning point. Host Eddie Garcia breaks down revealing exit interviews with Kings defensemen and goalies, highlighting Brant Clarke’s confidence and desire for a bigger role, Drew Doughty’s contract ambitions, and the locker room’s approach to collective leadership. Additional topics include Anton Forsberg and Darcy Kuemper’s playoff perspectives, Joel Edmundson’s optimism for next season, and Kopitar’s bid for a fourth Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. 

00:00 Kings Defense & Goalie Exit Interviews

Focus on Drew Doughty's comments about captaincy, head coach, contract, team frustrations, and minutes, plus reactions from Mikey Anderson and Joel Edmundson on leadership and playoff challenges.

13:49 Brant Clarke's Role & Future

Brant Clarke discusses his next developmental steps, contract status, preference for being the team's #1 defenseman, and his views on coaching, plus Brian Dumoulin and the goaltenders’ reflections.

24:01 Kopitar's Lady Byng Finalist & Kings News

Andrei Kopitar named Lady Byng Trophy finalist, details on his legacy, penalty minutes, and LA Kings history with the award, plus closing and upcoming fan feedback show info.

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The Los Angeles Kings face major offseason questions as Anze Kopitar’s retirement leaves a leadership and lineup void. Can Quinton Byfield emerge as the next cornerstone? Eddie Garcia recaps the raw reactions from locker room exit interviews, spotlighting Kempe’s doubts about moving to center, Byfield’s battle through injury, and Alex Laferriere’s willingness to adapt. Key storylines include Scott Laughton’s strong desire to stay in LA contrasted with Andrei Kuzmenko’s uncertain future and the impact of missed opportunities in the regular season. With pivotal decisions looming on center depth, roster turnover, and coaching, Eddie explores whether this tight-knit Kings squad can reclaim contender status next year—or if roster moves and internal growth are enough to fill the Kopitar-sized gap. Will Drew Doughty or another veteran step into the captaincy, and is the current core truly built for a deep playoff run? Plus the Ontario Reign struggle in their playoff opener. 

00:00 Kings Exit Interviews Recap

Eddie Garcia opens with highlights from LA Kings players' final media sessions, exit interviews explanation, and introduces key questions for next season.

11:37 Byfield & Player Reactions

Analysis of Quinton Byfield's injury, expectations for next season, and contrasting attitudes from Scott Lawton and Andre Kuzminko about returning to the Kings.

23:12 Ontario Reign Playoff Update

Eddie Garcia recaps the Ontario Reign’s playoff loss, discusses Vitaly Pinchuk’s NHL decision, and previews future episode content.

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The Ontario Reign gear up for their Calder Cup quest amid roster shifts and standout performances—can their depth carry them past Coachella Valley Firebirds? Broadcaster Cam McGuire joins Eddie Garcia to preview Ontario’s playoff showdown, spotlighting coach Andrew Lord’s high-energy leadership and the seamless connection between the LA Kings and their AHL affiliate. Key topics include Martin Chromiak and Nikita Alexandrov’s balanced scoring, goalie questions surrounding Eric Portillo, Phoenix Copley, and Hampton Slukynsky, and the impact of NHL call-ups like Jared Wright. Special teams could define the series, with Ontario boasting a top-10 power play and penalty kill. How will the Reign’s committee approach stack up against Coachella Valley, and can rising prospects Angus Booth and Kirill Kirsanov help shut down opponents? Get the inside scoop on Ontario’s Pacific Division title, organizational culture, and their path toward AHL glory.

 00:00 Ontario Reign Season Recap Eddie Garcia introduces guest Cam McGuire; Background on Cam McGuire, AHL affiliation, coaching, and organizational structure. 

13:07 Key Players & Call-Ups Discussion on Ontario Reign key performers, player development, NHL call-ups, and impact of youth additions. 

21:23 Playoff Preview & Matchup Analysis Breakdown of Ontario Reign vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds playoff series, season series stats, strengths, and playoff expectations. 

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Warby Parker 

It’s the perfect time to upgrade your glasses for spring. Buy one prescription pair and get 20% off any additional prescription pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNHL. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Los Angeles Kings suffer another first-round playoff exit after a season marked by inconsistency and crucial turning points. Eddie Garcia looks back at this season spotlights the arrival of Artemi Panarin in a blockbuster trade, Kevin Fiala’s devastating Olympic injury, and franchise legend Anze Kopitar eclipsing Marcel Dionne’s all-time points record—each moment redefining the Kings’ rollercoaster campaign. Key topics include the Kings' alarming struggles on home ice, D.J. Smith’s effect as interim head coach following Jim Hiller’s dismissal, and looming offseason questions about the team’s search for a top-six center. Get a comprehensive look at contract outlooks for core players and upcoming decisions on unrestricted free agents. Can General Manager Ken Holland turn the Kings into true Stanley Cup contenders, or is a reset on the horizon for L.A.'s hockey faithful?

00:00 Kings Season Recap

Review of the LA Kings' up-and-down season, key trends, and overall assessment of team performance.

09:50 Season-Defining Moments

Analysis of four major events that shaped the Kings' year, including the Panarin trade, Fiala's injury, coaching change, and Kopitar's record.

19:04 Next Season Roster Outlook

Roster breakdown for next year, contract situations, free agents, potential moves, and priorities for the offseason.

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5-Hour ENERGY

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Warby Parker

It’s the perfect time to upgrade your glasses for spring. Buy one prescription pair and get 20% off any additional prescription pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNHL.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Los Angeles Kings’ playoff dreams are dashed as Anze Kopitar plays his final NHL game, leaving fans to ponder the path forward for the franchise. Colorado Avalanche rolled in a decisive 5-1 win, sweeping the Kings out of the first round and extending LA’s streak of early postseason exits. Did special teams failures and a lack of depth scoring seal the Kings’ fate? Eddie Garcia recaps the highs and lows of the Kings’ series, evaluating standout performances and player struggles. The episode explores D.J. Smith’s uncertain coaching future, the looming need for leadership, and the emotional sendoff for a franchise icon. What does Kopitar’s retirement mean for the Kings’ future, and which players are primed to step up as new leaders?

00:00 Kings Eliminated & Series Recap

Opening recap of the Kings’ elimination, playoff performance, breakdown of game 4, and special teams analysis.

11:25 Roster & Player Performance

Analysis of lineup changes, player highlights and disappointments, detailed evaluations by line and position.

20:09 Kopitar’s Farewell & Season Wrap

Reflection on Anze Kopitar’s final game, legacy discussion, emotional reactions, off-season outlook, and show wrap-up.

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: lockedonlakings.supercast.com

 

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FanDuel

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5-Hour ENERGY

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Warby Parker

It’s the perfect time to upgrade your glasses for spring. Buy one prescription pair and get 20% off any additional prescription pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNHL.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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FanDuel

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5-Hour ENERGY

The Cotton Candy flavor is HERE on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today!

Warby Parker

It’s the perfect time to upgrade your glasses for spring. Buy one prescription pair and get 20% off any additional prescription pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNHL.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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