The Los Angeles Kings enter their March 25, 2025, matchup against the New York with a season marked by fluctuating performances, particularly on home ice. Currently holding a 3-7 record in their last ten games at Crypto.com Arena, the Kings have struggled to establish a dominant presence in their own arena. This inconsistency has been a point of concern as they aim to secure a playoff berth in the competitive NHL landscape. Offensively, Los Angeles has relied on the contributions of key players such as Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe. Kopitar, known for his playmaking abilities, has been instrumental in setting up scoring opportunities, while Kempe’s aggressive style and scoring touch have added depth to the Kings’ attack. Despite these individual efforts, the team has averaged 3.21 goals per game, indicating a need for more consistent offensive production across all lines. The Kings’ power play has been a relative bright spot, converting on 21.1% of their opportunities. This efficiency with the man advantage has been crucial in tight games, providing the team with much-needed goals during critical moments. However, sustaining this success requires disciplined play to draw penalties and capitalize on these opportunities. Defensively, Los Angeles has faced challenges, allowing an average of 2.55 goals per game. Goaltender Cam Talbot has shouldered much of the responsibility between the pipes, posting a goals-against average of 2.55. While these numbers are respectable, the defense in front of him must tighten up to reduce high-danger scoring chances and alleviate the pressure on their netminder. The penalty kill has been relatively strong for the Kings, operating at an 86.7% success rate—a statistic that has often helped them survive tight games and limit the damage against teams with strong power play units. This facet of their game will be tested heavily against a Rangers team that thrives on the man advantage. The Kings’ penalty kill, led by the likes of Phillip Danault, Mikey Anderson, and Trevor Moore, has been successful not just because of sound positional play, but due to relentless pressure on puck carriers and timely clears. Still, it will be essential for Los Angeles to limit the amount of time they spend shorthanded, especially considering their recent tendency to take avoidable penalties in high-pressure situations. From a defensive structure perspective, the Kings have maintained a strong identity based on zone discipline and limiting shots from the slot. Players like Drew Doughty continue to be central to this philosophy.

Despite being in the later years of his career, Doughty remains a high-minute, high-responsibility player who can contribute on both sides of the puck. His leadership and ability to transition the puck cleanly are key to initiating offense from the back end. Meanwhile, Matt Roy and Vladislav Gavrikov provide the physicality and shot-blocking necessary to complement Doughty’s puck-moving style. When they are locked in, this defensive group can frustrate even the most skilled teams. However, when the defensive structure breaks down—as it has more frequently during their recent home slide—opponents have been quick to capitalize. Up front, beyond Kopitar and Kempe, the Kings have benefitted from secondary scoring courtesy of Kevin Fiala and Quinton Byfield. Fiala brings creativity and tempo to the middle six, often sparking momentum with high-speed zone entries or quick-release shots. Byfield, still developing, has taken significant steps this season with improved puck protection and faceoff prowess. The Danault line, often deployed against top opposing units, will likely see a lot of minutes against Panarin and Zibanejad, aiming to neutralize their offensive impact through smart defensive shifts and possession-driven play. At home, however, the Kings’ energy levels and execution have been erratic. They’ve often started slowly in front of the Crypto.com Arena crowd, falling behind early and chasing games—a dangerous pattern against a Rangers team that plays well with a lead. Rectifying this starts with cleaner zone exits, winning early puck battles, and matching New York’s physicality shift for shift. Goaltender Cam Talbot will also need to be sharp early, especially during penalty kills and defensive lapses, to keep Los Angeles within striking distance. Ultimately, this matchup offers the Kings a chance to not only stay competitive in the Western Conference playoff race but also to reclaim their identity as a tough team to beat on home ice. With veteran leadership, strong special teams, and top-tier goaltending, they have the pieces to turn the tide—but it will take a full 60-minute effort, discipline, and resilience to overcome a surging Rangers team. A victory would be more than two points—it would be a much-needed confidence reset for a team still searching for late-season momentum.