Samuel Helenius scores his first NHL goal, Adrian Kempe tips in a go-ahead goal and the Kings hold on for a 2-1 win. Darcy Kuemper stops 26 shots for the hosts, who remain desperate for more

LOS ANGELES – The Florida Panthers will wrap up their first of two back-to-backs on their current road trip when they visit the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday. Overall, Florida is 5-1-0 on the second half of back-to-backs this season.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions here at Last Word on Hockey! Each day of the NHL season, we preview and analyze games to give our predictions. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at a game between the Los Angeles Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Wednesday night’s comeback victory over defending champ Florida is a boost. Drew Doughty’s return could be another, as could a home-heavy schedule on the horizon.

Five Pacific Division teams realistically have a chance to make the postseason. The Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings are battling for the top spot in the Pacific Division,

After Wednesday's nationally televised game between the Los Angeles Kings and Florida Panthers, the cast of NHL on TNT discussed Edmonton Oilers Captain Connor McDavid and the three-game suspension he was handed on January 20,

It would be easy to blame the Florida Panthers lack of energy in the third period Wednesday night to road legs. The Panthers, after all, were on the second half of a back-to-back having flown across the country just two days prior.

While the offense needs to improve, the Kings are content with playing tight games. The team has steadied its course despite facing some turbulent moments. Their last road trip was disappointing in terms of offensive production;

Once again the Los Angeles Kings avoided dropping three straight games in regulation, something they have been able to do all season long. Bouncing back

He’s one of those players where it’s just a matter of time until he breaks out — and he’s breaking out right now.’

The L.A. Kings are in win-now mode and trying to make the most of their talent, especially with veteran Anze Kopitar's contract expiring in 2026.