Locked On Kings - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Kings

LA Kings battle back but fall to the Boston Bruins in overtime. Has DJ Smith’s coaching bump come too late? Darcy Kuemper flashes vintage form, while Drew Doughty’s goal and Scott Laughton’s tenacious penalty killing help LA get a key point in a tight playoff race. Eddie Garcia recaps the high-stakes showdown in Boston, weighing Anton Forsberg vs. Darcy Kuemper for the starting goaltender role and breaking down the LA Kings’ evolving power play and penalty kill. Discussion covers the effect of recent roster moves, and how the Kings’ playoff chances look after Seattle’s costly loss. Plus, get an inside look at Marco Sturm’s comments on LA’s culture and what’s brewing behind the scenes. Can the Kings close the gap in the Pacific and secure a wildcard spot?

00:00 Kings vs Bruins Recap Eddie Garcia breaks down the LA Kings’ hard-fought overtime loss in Boston, team effort, and initial takeaways. 

11:14 Individual Player Performances Analysis on Darcy Kemper’s goaltending, defensemen contributions, and detailed reviews of Scott Laughton, Quinton Byfield, and others. 

20:19 Playoff Race & Organization Where the Kings stand in the playoff race, probability updates, Pacific Division standings, and discussion around organizational chatter.

Everydayer Club
Join the Everydayer Club for ad-free audio, access to our group chat on Discord, and more. Use code DEADLINE ahead of the trade deadline for one month free. Tap here to learn more: lockedonlakings.supercast.com/

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Los Angeles Kings launch their pivotal 5-game road trip with a dramatic 5-4 overtime win against the surging Columbus Blue Jackets. Is DJ Smith’s aggressive system giving the Kings an edge they need to capture a playoff spot? Amid controversial officiating and adversity, Anton Forsberg’s clutch goaltending, Adrian Kempe’s two-goal night (including the OT winner), and Brian Dumoulin’s standout 3-point performance ignite hope for Kings fans seeking a postseason surge. Eddie Garcia breaks down the game’s key turning points—highlighting Scott Laughton’s trade impact, Kopitar’s chase for franchise history, and the team’s dominance in the faceoff circle. Fresh insight into the evolving lineup, special teams struggles, and upcoming tests against the red-hot Boston Bruins set the stage for a critical stretch. Can LA capitalize on momentum and leap ahead in the Western Conference playoff race?

00:00 — Kings Road Trip Win

Summary of the LA Kings’ crucial 5-4 OT win over Columbus, DJ Smith's coaching impact, and overcoming adversity, including bad officiating and special teams struggles.

12:24 — Player Performances & Game Analysis

In-depth analysis of standouts like Anton Forsberg, Anze Kopitar, Brian Dumoulin, Scott Laughton, and Adrian Kempe. Discussion of lineup changes, clutch plays, and key stats.

23:03 — Standings, Road Trip Outlook & Playoff Odds

Breakdown of current playoff standings, upcoming schedule, minimum point target for road trip, and playoff projection odds for the Kings and Western Conference wildcard rivals.

Everydayer Club
Join the Everydayer Club for ad-free audio, access to our group chat on Discord, and more. Use code DEADLINE ahead of the trade deadline for one month free. Tap here to learn more: lockedonlakings.supercast.com/

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LA Kings fans ignite with passionate reactions as the team shakes up its coaching staff and navigates a quiet trade deadline. Can DJ Smith spark a playoff push, or will management's change of corse backfire? Eddie Garcia examines the franchise’s strategic direction and whether LA’s leadership is making the right calls on—and off—the ice. Key topics include the debate over a full rebuild versus a retool, and Ken Holland’s cautious deadline moves. Listener emails fuel spirited discussion on underperforming forwards, controversial personnel changes, and where the Kings go from here. Will the new energy under Smith help the LA Kings recapture their playoff form, or do deeper issues threaten the core’s last stand?

00:00 - Coaching Change Reaction

Summary of LA Kings coaching change, immediate fan feedback, and discussion on promoting DJ Smith. Covers Kings’ approach to coaching, alternatives considered, and initial results.

10:35 - Kings Management & Roster Moves

Deep dive into broader Kings management decisions, recent trades, trade deadline assessments, high-level criticisms, and debate on the path forward (rebuild, retool, or continue current route). Includes multiple listener emails discussing player trades, management accountability, and future plans.

24:39 - Trade Deadline & Playoff Outlook

Fans’ takes on the trade deadline moves, reaction to Ken Holland’s approach, reflections on the franchise’s realistic playoff odds, focus on building for the future, and opinions about next steps for roster construction.

Everydayer Club
Join the Everydayer Club for ad-free audio, access to our group chat on Discord, and more. Use code DEADLINE ahead of the trade deadline for one month free. Tap here to learn more: https://lockedonlakings.supercast.com/

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LA Kings’ playoff dreams hang in the balance as DJ Smith’s revamped squad battles lingering issues. Missed opportunities and special teams’ woes cost Los Angeles in a narrow 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens—can renewed energy and a shot-heavy attack translate into wins when it counts most? Eddie Garcia explores the team’s shift in mentality, the impact of Scott Laughton’s debut, and Anze Kopitar closing in on franchise history. Breakdown includes Darcy Kuemper’s performance in net, Quinton Byfield’s return, and Brandt Clarke’s high-usage night. Eddie Garcia addresses controversial officiating calls, analyzes the playoff standings race with the Seattle Kraken and Edmonton Oilers, and details changes coming to LA Kings broadcasts. Are the Kings truly poised for a late-season surge, or will familiar issues stall their postseason push?

00:00 LA Kings Fall to Canadiens
Recap of the Kings' 4-3 loss, DJ Smith's coaching impact, shot totals, and persistent issues with special teams and finishing.

12:40 Scott Laughton Debut & Player Analysis
Breakdown of Scott Laughton's first game as a King, Kopitar’s near-record, Byfield’s return, detailed player notes, and line combinations.

24:03 Playoff Standings & Broadcast Updates
Kings' playoff standings update, what the latest results mean, and news on changes to the Kings’ television broadcast situation.

 

Everydayer Club
Join the Everydayer Club for ad-free audio, access to our group chat on Discord, and more. Use code DEADLINE ahead of the trade deadline for one month free. Tap here to learn more: lockedonlakings.supercast.com/

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Los Angeles Kings spark debate by trading veteran Corey Perry to the Tampa Bay Lightning ahead of the NHL trade deadline—does this move signal a shift toward retooling, or is a late playoff push still possible? Eddie Garcia breaks down the Kings’ deadline decisions, covering the addition of Scott Laughton and Mathieu Joseph, Ken Holland’s strategic outlook, and shifting roster priorities amid injuries to Kevin Fiala, Andrei Kuzmenko, and Joel Armia. Analyze how the Kings stack up in the Pacific Division after rivals like the Anaheim Ducks and Seattle Kraken make their own moves. Plus, get updates on Quinton Byfield’s return, and the Ontario Reign’s hot streak in the AHL. Are the Kings positioning for the future or quietly conceding 2024? Don’t miss this full-season outlook packed with trade analysis, lineup projections, and playoff race implications.

00:00 Trade Deadline Review

LA Kings' minimal moves, Corey Perry trade analysis, and the team's playoff outlook.

12:02 Pacific Rivals’ Moves

Breakdown of trades by Pacific Division competitors and impact on playoff race.

19:47 Standings & Ontario Reign

Kings' position update, schedule rundown, and an in-depth Ontario Reign/AHL report.

Everydayer Club
Join the Everydayer Club for ad-free audio, access to our group chat on Discord, and more. Use code DEADLINE ahead of the trade deadline for one month free. Tap here to learn more: lockedonlakings.supercast.com/

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.