### Kings Clinch Playoff Momentum with Thrilling Win Over Kraken The Los Angeles Kings showcased their offensive prowess and resilience in a high-scoring game against the Seattle Kraken, winning 6-5 in a match that marked the end of the Kraken's season. Samuel Helenius emerged as a standout player, scoring two goals, while goaltender David Rittich made 28 saves to secure the victory. This win not only spoiled the Kraken's home finale but also allowed the Kings to tie their franchise record with 48 wins in a season, solidifying their position as a formidable contender heading into the playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers [https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/kings/story/2025-04-15/kings-vs-seattle-kraken-recap][https://www.nhl.com/news/los-angeles-kings-seattle-kraken-game-recap-april-15]. ### Breakdown of the Kings' Recent Performance and Playoff Outlook 1. **Game Highlights Against the Kraken** - Samuel Helenius scored twice, contributing significantly to the Kings' offensive efforts. - Alex Turcotte and Adrian Kempe each added a goal and an assist, showcasing the depth of the Kings' lineup. - The Kings managed to hold off a late surge from the Kraken, who scored five goals but ultimately fell short [https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/recap-lak-6-sea-5-4-15-25][https://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/samuel-helenius-scores-twice-and-the-los-angeles-20278363.php]. 2. **Recent Success Leading to Playoffs** - The Kings clinched home-ice advantage for the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs after a decisive 5-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers just prior to the Kraken game [https://www.reuters.com/sports/nhl/kings-blank-oilers-clinch-home-ice-advantage-first-round-2025-04-15]. - This victory against the Oilers was pivotal, as it marked their 47th win of the season, setting them up for a strong playoff run [https://www.nhl.com/news/los-angeles-kings-edmonton-oilers-game-recap-april-14]. 3. **Key Players and Statistics** - Samuel Helenius has emerged as a key player, scoring crucial goals in recent games. - David Rittich's performance in goal has been solid, with 28 saves against the Kraken and a shared shutout against the Oilers [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/playoff_bound_kings_hang_on_for_win_over_kraken/s1_17050_42058434]. - The Kings' overall record stands at 48-24-9, with 105 points, indicating a strong season performance [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/playoff_bound_kings_hang_on_for_win_over_kraken/s1_17050_42058434]. ### Conclusion: Kings Poised for Playoff Success The Los Angeles Kings are entering the playoffs with significant momentum, having secured home-ice advantage and demonstrated their offensive capabilities in recent games. 1. **Key Takeaways:** - The Kings' victory over the Kraken not only ended Seattle's season but also highlighted their scoring depth and resilience. - Clinching home-ice advantage against the Oilers sets the stage for a competitive playoff series, as the Kings aim to overcome past playoff disappointments against the same team. 2. **Looking Ahead:** - The Kings will face the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, a rematch that promises to be intense given their recent history [https://www.nhl.com/news/los-angeles-kings-edmonton-oilers-first-round-playoff-series-lookahead]. In summary, the Kings' recent performances, particularly against the Kraken and Oilers, have positioned them as a strong contender in the upcoming playoffs, with key players stepping up at crucial moments [https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/kings/story/2025-04-15/kings-vs-seattle-kraken-recap][https://www.nhl.com/news/los-angeles-kings-seattle-kraken-game-recap-april-15].