The Los Angeles Kings, entering their March 22, 2025, home game against the Carolina Hurricanes, find themselves in a critical juncture of the season, holding a 37-26-4 record that reflects both resilience and inconsistency as they vie for a secure playoff position in the competitive Western Conference. Under the guidance of head coach Todd McLellan, the Kings have emphasized a defense-first approach, which has been effective in limiting opponents to an average of 2.6 goals per game, ranking them among the top defensive teams in the league. This defensive solidity is anchored by veteran defenseman Drew Doughty, whose leadership and on-ice awareness have been instrumental in mentoring younger blueliners like Mikey Anderson and Tobias Bjornfot. Goaltender Pheonix Copley has emerged as a reliable presence between the pipes, boasting a .901 save percentage, and providing the team with confidence in tight games. Offensively, the Kings have faced challenges, averaging 2.8 goals per game, with captain Anze Kopitar leading by example through his two-way play and consistent point production. However, the lack of secondary scoring has been a persistent issue, as players like Adrian Kempe and Viktor Arvidsson have experienced streaky performances, making it difficult for the team to maintain offensive pressure across all four lines. The power play has been another area of concern, operating at an 18% success rate, which underscores the need for improved puck movement and net-front presence to capitalize on man-advantage situations. Conversely, the penalty kill has been relatively stable at 80%, but lapses in discipline have occasionally put the team in precarious positions, especially against opponents with potent power plays. At Crypto.com Arena, the Kings have enjoyed a moderate home-ice advantage, but their recent form has been shaky, covering the spread in only three of their last ten games, indicating a struggle to meet betting expectations despite often managing to remain competitive late into games. One of the Kings’ ongoing issues at home has been their inability to consistently generate high-danger scoring chances, especially against teams that pressure aggressively in the neutral zone—something the Hurricanes excel at. To counter this, McLellan will likely emphasize simplified zone entries, quicker puck movement, and more emphasis on establishing a presence in the low slot, where the Kings have occasionally succeeded when they commit to gritty, possession-heavy shifts.

Quinton Byfield continues to show flashes of his top-pick potential, using his size and reach to protect the puck and create space for linemates, but he remains a developing piece in a lineup that still leans heavily on veterans. Phillip Danault’s shutdown abilities will be crucial in this matchup, as he’ll likely draw the assignment of matching up against Carolina’s top line centered by Sebastian Aho. If Danault can win faceoffs, limit odd-man rushes, and neutralize Aho’s speed through the neutral zone, the Kings could slow down a Hurricanes attack that thrives on transition and quick puck retrievals. The Kings will also look to use their physical edge—ranking among the league’s leaders in hits per game—to disrupt Carolina’s cycle and keep the game at a controlled pace. Another area of opportunity will be on the forecheck; when the Kings are at their best, they pressure opposing defensemen into mistakes behind the net, and players like Trevor Moore and Blake Lizotte are relentless in forcing turnovers that lead to quick-strike opportunities. That said, to win this game, the Kings must execute clean breakouts, stay disciplined, and find production beyond their top line—because relying solely on Kopitar and Doughty to carry the load against an elite team like Carolina will likely fall short. The margin for error will be slim, particularly against a Hurricanes team that thrives when protecting a lead, so striking first and playing with a lead will be a major advantage. Goaltending could also be a deciding factor, and Copley will need to be sharp early to withstand Carolina’s initial surge and allow his team to settle into their structure. The Kings have proven capable of grinding out wins when playing disciplined, physical, and opportunistic hockey, but their recent ATS struggles and reliance on low-scoring games highlight the razor-thin line they walk. With the playoff race tightening and each game carrying added weight, this matchup represents not just a test against one of the NHL’s elite, but an opportunity to recalibrate, reclaim confidence on home ice, and solidify their identity as a defensively responsible, hard-to-play-against squad that can hang with the league’s best. If they can combine their structured play with some timely scoring and hold their composure against Carolina’s relentless pace, the Kings have the tools to make this a statement win—one that would reinforce their legitimacy in the Western Conference playoff picture and provide a crucial confidence boost heading into the final weeks of the regular season.