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Overview
The Los Angeles Kings are set to host the Calgary Flames on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM PST (4:00 AM EEST) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This Pacific Division matchup is crucial for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning. The Kings currently hold a record of 23-21-14, while the Flames are at 24-27-6. Both teams have struggled recently, making this game pivotal for their postseason aspirations. (wtop.com)
Season Snapshot
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings have a season record of 23 wins, 21 losses, and 14 overtime losses, placing them in the middle of the Pacific Division standings. Their performance has been inconsistent, with a recent stretch of 4 wins, 5 losses, and 1 overtime loss in their last 10 games. Offensively, they average 2.5 goals per game, ranking 29th in the league, and have a power-play conversion rate of 16.28%, placing them 27th. Defensively, they allow 2.9 goals per game, ranking 10th in the league. (foxsports.com)
Calgary Flames
The Flames have a season record of 24 wins, 27 losses, and 6 overtime losses, also positioning them mid-division. Their recent form shows 4 wins, 4 losses, and 2 overtime losses in their last 10 games. Offensively, they average 2.5 goals per game, ranking 32nd in the league, and have a power-play conversion rate of 16.09%, placing them 28th. Defensively, they allow 3.0 goals per game, ranking 8th in the league. (foxsports.com)
Recent Form
Both teams have been struggling in recent games. The Kings have lost 5 of their last 6 games, while the Flames have lost 6 of their last 8. Notably, the Flames are coming off a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks, where Nazem Kadri scored two goals. (abc30.com) This win could provide a boost for the Flames as they face the Kings.
Talking Points
- Playoff Implications: With both teams vying for playoff spots, this game is crucial for their postseason hopes.
- Offensive Struggles: Both teams rank near the bottom in goals scored per game, highlighting their offensive challenges.
- Special Teams Performance: The Kings' power play is ranked 27th, while the Flames are 28th, indicating potential for improvement in this area.
- Recent Head-to-Head: The Flames have won 6 of the last 7 matchups against the Kings, including a 2-1 overtime victory earlier this season. (champsorchumps.us)
- Player Momentum: Nazem Kadri's recent two-goal performance could inspire the Flames' offense.
Players to Watch
- Adrian Kempe (Kings): Leads the team with 21 goals and 27 assists, making him a key offensive contributor.
- Nazem Kadri (Flames): Scored two goals in the Flames' recent win, indicating a potential offensive surge.
- Matthew Coronato (Flames): With 14 goals and 16 assists, he adds depth to the Flames' scoring lineup.
- Andrei Kuzmenko (Kings): Has contributed four goals and two assists over the last 10 games, showing recent offensive form.
- Jonathan Huberdeau (Flames): With 10 goals and 15 assists, he remains a significant playmaker for the Flames.
Key Matchups & Storylines
- Offensive Efficiency: Both teams struggle to score, making efficient offensive play a potential game-changer.
- Special Teams Battle: With both teams' power plays ranked low, the penalty kill units could play a decisive role.
- Goaltending Duels: The performance of each team's goaltender will be critical, given the close nature of their recent matchups.
- Momentum Shifts: The Flames' recent win could provide a psychological edge over the Kings.
Fun Facts
- The Kings' largest victory over the Flames was a 12-4 win on April 10, 1990. (champsorchumps.us)
- The Flames have won 6 of the last 7 matchups against the Kings. (champsorchumps.us)
- Both teams have struggled on the power play, with the Kings at 27th and the Flames at 28th in the league. (foxsports.com)
- The Kings' recent form shows 4 wins, 5 losses, and 1 overtime loss in their last 10 games. (foxsports.com)
- The Flames' recent form shows 4 wins, 4 losses, and 2 overtime losses in their last 10 games. (foxsports.com)
Things to Chirp About
- "Can the Kings' offense break out against the Flames' defense?"
- "Will Kadri's two-goal game spark a Flames' offensive surge?"
- "How will the Kings' power play perform against the Flames' penalty kill?"
- "Is this the game the Kings turn their season around?"
Prediction
Given the Flames' recent victory and the Kings' ongoing struggles, the Flames may have a slight edge in this matchup. However, the Kings' home advantage and the potential for offensive improvement could lead to a closely contested game. Both teams will need to capitalize on special teams opportunities and improve their offensive efficiency to secure a win.