April 16 Preview: Playoff Scenarios, Lineup Details, and Season Finale Gratitude
The 2025-26 NHL regular season concludes tonight as the Los Angeles Kings face off against the Calgary Flames. This decisive match will take place at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, starting at 6:00 PM Pacific Time.
Playoff Scenarios and Significance
As the Kings wrap up their regular season, the outcome of tonight’s game carries significant playoff implications. With multiple possible opponents, including Colorado, Edmonton, and Anaheim, the Kings need a good performance to enhance their playoff positioning.
- If the Kings lose in regulation, they will face Colorado in Round 1.
- A win by the Kings, combined with favorable outcomes from the Ducks and Oilers, could secure them home-ice advantage.
- The matchup against the Ducks, which begins an hour before the Kings’ game, will influence the playoff picture significantly.
Team Lineups and Key Players
The Kings held a full-team morning skate today. Interim Head Coach D.J. Smith has confirmed that goaltender Anton Forsberg will start. Forsberg previously achieved a 29-save shutout against the Flames this season, contributing to a previous 2-0 victory.
Projected King’s Lineup
| Forward Line | Defense Pairing |
|---|---|
| Panarin – Kopitar – Kempe | Anderson – Doughty |
| Moore – Byfield – Laferriere | Edmundson – Clarke |
| Armia – Laughton – Wright | Dumoulin – Ceci |
| Joseph – Helenius – Ward | Moverare |
Notable players include Quinton Byfield and Adrian Kempe, both leading the Kings in goals against Calgary this season. Byfield and Alex Laferriere have also been instrumental, tied for the team lead in points against the Flames.
The Flames’ Current Situation
Calgary comes into this game after a split in their recent homestand, featuring a win against Utah and a loss to Colorado. They will be without key players Matt Coronato and Jonathan Huberdeau, who are sidelined with injuries. Coronato is Calgary’s leading scorer this season, with 44 points.
Final Thoughts and Anticipation
This season has been filled with challenges for both teams, but excitement builds as the games progress. Kings players look forward to offering a strong performance as they aim for playoff success.
As fans gather in Calgary, the stakes are high. The outcome of tonight’s game will set the stage for the playoffs. Both teams have much to gain and the air is thick with anticipation for what lies ahead in the postseason.
