The LA Kings are set to face the Vegas Golden Knights tomorrow evening at Crypto.com Arena, marking the beginning of an intense 26-game sprint towards the end of the season. Today marked the team’s final practice session at the Toyota Sports Performance Center, where the Kings finalized their preparations for this crucial matchup.
During practice, the Kings showcased their lineup with newly returned Adrian Kempe practicing alongside Artemi Panarin and Alex Laferriere. This marks Kempe’s first day back on the ice after participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Kempe expressed enthusiasm about playing with Panarin, acknowledging his skillset and the opportunity to develop chemistry on the ice.
To prepare for the upcoming game, Kempe has been proactive, studying videos of Panarin and analyzing how other players have successfully collaborated with him in the past. He also discussed his interactions with New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad during the Olympics, gathering insights on how best to adapt to this new line combination.
The practice also featured discussions on the team’s power-play strategy, with new configurations including Panarin being utilized across both units. Jim Hiller, the team’s coach, noted that utilizing Panarin in various offensive situations would be vital moving forward. Kempe indicated he’s eager to return to a more familiar role on the power play, one in which he feels more comfortable and confident.
As the season progresses, the Kings have reason to remain optimistic. They have not lost a game with Panarin in the lineup and haven’t faced defeat in over three weeks, a promising sign as they try to improve their standing in the highly competitive playoff race. With the return of key players like Joel Armia, Drew Doughty, and Darcy Kuemper expected soon, the team is steadily regaining its strength.
Furthermore, despite the adjustments and lineup tweaks, the Kings’ determination is palpable. With the season’s challenges ahead, their recent break may have come at the right time, allowing the team to regroup and build momentum as they push for a playoff spot. As the Kings prepare to take on the Golden Knights, excitement fills the air, reminding fans that anything is possible in the final stretch of the NHL season.