Los Angeles Kings Summary

Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar received a standing ovation from fans at Crypto.com Arena in his final NHL game as the Kings were swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Kopitar, who played his entire 20-year career with the Kings, was honored despite the team trailing 5-1 late in the game. He did not record a point in the four-game series, finishing the regular season with 38 points in 67 games.

The Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon scored twice in Game 4, helping his team complete the sweep with a 5-1 victory, while Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves. The Kings had opportunities, including two power plays early, but could not capitalize.

Colorado's win marked their advancement to the second round, where they await the winner of the Dallas Stars-Minnesota Wild series. This defeat not only ended the Kings' postseason hopes but also marked the emotional farewell of Kopitar, the franchise's all-time leader in assists and points, who leaves behind a legacy as one of the NHL's most dominant two-way players.

The Kings now face a pivotal offseason as they regroup and look toward the future following this disappointing playoff exit.