Ranking the Kings’ Last Five Seasons: A Look at First-Round Exits

The Los Angeles Kings have faced a series of disappointments in the playoffs over the past five seasons, consistently falling short in the first round. As we reflect on these campaigns, it becomes clear how each season’s performance has shaped the team’s trajectory. Here’s a ranking of the Kings’ last five seasons, from least to most successful.

Number Five: 2026

Coming in at the bottom of the list is the 2026 season, marked by a notably unproductive offense. The Kings managed to score only 2.68 goals per game, ranking as the fourth worst in the NHL. However, the offensive struggles paled in comparison to the team’s special teams performance, which was even more dismal. With a power-play percentage of just 17%, the Kings found themselves as the fifth worst in the league, while their penalty kill of 74.6% ranked third worst.

Facing the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche in the first round, the Kings were outmatched from the start. The Avalanche swept the series in four games, leaving the Kings without a single playoff victory. Throughout the season, doubts lingered about the Kings’ ability to even secure a playoff spot, making their early exit unsurprising.

Number Four: 2024

In 2024, the Kings displayed some effectiveness on special teams, boasting an impressive 84.6% penalty kill, the second-best in the league, along with a power-play percentage of 22.6%, placing them eleventh overall. Yet, despite this success, the Kings struggled to keep pace with elite teams due to a lack of offensive firepower, finishing with a middling 3.10 goals per game, ranking sixteenth in the league.

In the first round, they faced a formidable opponent in the Edmonton Oilers, powered by superstars Conor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, both surpassing 105 points that season. The Oilers’ depth proved overwhelming, as they dismantled the Kings in five games, highlighting the disparity in offensive capabilities.

Number Three: 2023

The 2023 season marked a notable shift for the Kings, as they embraced a more offensive style. The acquisition of Kevin Fiala from the Minnesota Wild elevated their scoring, allowing them to average 3.34 goals per game, ranking in the top 10 and setting the highest goal average for the Kings in the 2020s. However, this offensive surge came at a cost; the team’s goaltending and defense faltered significantly, with a .892 save percentage and 3.10 goals allowed per game, placing them outside the top 15 in that category.

When the Kings met the Oilers again in the playoffs, the clash of offensive strengths became apparent. Despite their improved scoring, the Kings fell short, losing in six games to Edmonton, who showcased a superior offensive game.

Number Two: 2022

The 2022 season was a turning point for the Kings, as they made their first playoff appearance since 2018. With a top 10 defense allowing just 2.79 goals per game, the Kings seemed poised for a deeper run. They even led their first-round series against the Oilers 3-2, just one win away from advancing.

However, the Oilers rallied, taking Games 6 and 7 to eliminate the Kings. While the team’s defensive play was commendable, they couldn’t overcome their weaknesses in goaltending and special teams, ranking outside the top 15 in multiple categories. Had they managed to defeat the Oilers, the Kings might have had a clear path to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Number One: 2025

The standout season in this five-year stretch was undoubtedly 2025, where the Kings fielded their most talented and complete roster. With a stellar defense allowing only 2.48 goals per game, the Kings were well-equipped for a playoff run. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper delivered a strong performance, posting a .922 save percentage, the third highest in the league.

Initially, the Kings seized a 2-0 series lead against the Oilers, but a controversial goalie interference challenge turned the tide. Following that pivotal moment, the Kings faltered, losing crucial games in the series, including one in overtime after a late goal by Evan Bouchard. The Oilers capitalized on the Kings’ defensive lapses, ultimately eliminating them in six games.

This season represented a missed opportunity for the Kings, as they showcased potential that could have led them deep into the playoffs. Instead, they faced yet another first-round exit, leaving fans to ponder what might have been.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.