Should You Bet on the Los Angeles Kings to win the 2026 Stanley Cup?
With just two games remaining in the year, the Los Angeles Kings have been able to squeak into the playoffs at the last second, securing one of the two wildcard spots in the West. Their high level of play on defense helped carry them to the postseason, masking a front line who has been unable to find their footing, even after re-tooling their roster at the trade deadline.
Los Angeles Kings to Win Western Conference?
Since the start of the regular season, the Los Angeles Kings back line have thrived in coverage, ranking in the top-10 in Expected Goals Against in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play. By blanketing their opponents front line, the Kings were able to hold them off the scoreboard, making it easier for them to remain competitive throughout the year.
The Kings coverage also helped Darcy Kuemper string together his performances, averaging 2.76 Goals Against per game. With Kuemper anchoring their net, the amount of variance in their contests was cut in half, increasing their chances of winning.
Unfortunately for the Kings, their front line was never able to give them the production they needed to be a well rounded contender, ranking near dead last in Expected Goals For in All Situations. A stunning low level of play when factoring in their trade for Artemi Panarin, bringing in a forward who excelled at pressuring the net, averaging 0.30 Expected Goals per game.
In a potential first round matchup against Colorado or Vegas, expect the Kings struggles on offense to be on full display, facing off against a pair of back lines who reside in the top-5 in Expected Goals Against. With the Kings incapable of matching their output, they will fall quickly behind on the scoreboard with little hope of clawing their way out of a hole.
Pending where they land in the bracket, the Kings would most likely battle it out against Dallas or Edmonton in the second round, facing off against two front lines who possess the versatility that is needed to break their coverage. With the Kings forced to go through a tough path just to reach the Western Conference Finals, pass on them at their current odds to win the conference title.
Best Odds: Los Angeles Kings to win Western Conference
Los Angeles Kings to Win Stanley Cup?
Should the bracket break their way and the Kings are able to make a miraculous trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, then it’s hard to imagine them capping off their run, ending things with a daunting matchup against either the Carolina Hurricanes or Tampa Bay Lightning. Two formidable contenders who rival the Avs at the top of the oddsboard for the Stanley Cup.
Either opponent would be tough for the Kings to overcome, especially when factoring in the high level of play they receive from their front lines, two groups who rank in the top-3 in Expected Goals For. Even with the Kings excelling in coverage, the Lightning and Hurricanes aggression would stretch them thin, opening up wider gaps in front of their crease.
To make matters worse for the Kings, their own front line would be incapable of keeping pace, facing off against a pair of defenses who reside near the top of the board in Expected Goals Against in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play. WIth no advantage on either side of the ice, the Kings would be outmatched, resulting in a lopsided series with their opponent winning the title.
If the Kings are going to have any hope of winning the Stanley Cup, then they would need the bracket to continue to break their way, drawing either Buffalo or Philadelphia. Two contenders who have at least one glaring weakness on one side of the ice, swinging variance back towards their way. While the Sabres have struggled to defend their net, the Flyers have severely underwhelmed on offense.
With the Kings hopes of winning the title heavily dependent on their matchup, pass on them in the futures market and look to play them live depending on how the bracket shakes out. You can also wait to bet on them on the series moneyline depending on who they face, sacrificing potential profits for more security, making it worth waiting to see if both the Lightning and Hurricanes are unable to reach the final round.
Best Odds: Los Angeles Kings to win Stanley Cup
Any Los Angeles Kings Players to Win Conn Smythe?
Even when receiving minimal support from his linemates, Adrian Kempe has still been able to keep the Kings competitive in their contests, averaging 0.34 Expected Goals and 2.77 Shots on Goal per game. His production has been vital to the Kings success this season, needing to shoulder a heavier workload after Kevin Fiala went down with a season ending injury.
Rivaling Kempe in Expected Goals is Panarin as the former New York Rangers forward is averaging 0.30 per game. While Kempe is more of a pure scorer, Panarin is more versatile, comfortably leading his teammate in total Assists. By padding the stat sheet, Panarin will draw more media attention, shining the spotlight brighter on him for the Conn Smythe.
Another name to consider for the award is Kuemper, the Kings goalie who is the biggest benefactor of their suffocating coverage. With their quality of opponent ramping up, Kuemper will need to round back into dominant form, potentially stealing votes in the process should he neutralize the likes of Tampa Bay or Carolina. To help diversify your portfolio, split your wager in three ways, placing a third on Kempe, Panarin, and Kuemper.
Photo Credit: AP/Jae C. Hong
