Full Breakdown
Kings Face Elimination in Game 4 of 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
4/27/2026, 8:12:14 AM
Series Overview & Stakes
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the Los Angeles Kings hosted the Colorado Avalanche at Crypto.com Arena for Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series. Colorado led 3-0; a win would clinch the series and set up a second-round matchup with the Dallas Stars or Minnesota Wild. The Kings fell 2-1, ending their season and marking captain Anze Kopitar’s final NHL game.
Strategy and Lineup
Interim coach D.J. Smith told the team to keep the same defensive structure while seeking “better execution at the low-event game.” The Kings kept Kopitar at center and paired Scott Laughton with Alex Turcotte and Taylor Ward, a line still seeking a 5-on-5 goal. Colorado’s only change was forward Ross Colton’s addition for Game 3; captain Gabriel Landeskog remained on the top line with two series goals.
Key Players
- Anze Kopitar – 38-year-old captain playing his last NHL game, centering the top line.
- Scott Laughton – Versatile forward tasked with stabilizing a new line.
Official Statements
Smith emphasized “better execution at the low-event game” and said Kopitar, after two days of rest, should deliver his “best game of the series.” The Avalanche confirmed a Game 4 win would make Colorado the first Western Conference team to advance after a 3-0 lead.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts argue the Kings’ reluctance to “open it up” curtails scoring, citing past teams that altered their low-event style against Colorado and faltered. The author warned that clinging to the first-two-period plan could “deflate any sort of comeback effort.” Historically, only about 40 % of teams trailing 3-0 win Game 4, and just 84 of 213 such series have reached Game 5.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you want to open it up, we’ve seen how that has gone for a lot of teams all year,” — D.J. Smith, Interim Head Coach, Los Angeles Kings
- “I think you’ll see Kopi’s best game of the series,” — D.J. Smith, Interim Head Coach, Los Angeles Kings
- “We’ve got to stick to what we did in the first two periods,” — Scott Laughton, Forward, Los Angeles Kings
- “You can say it feels good to do all of these good things, but if you don’t win the games, it’s the only thing that matters right now.” — Mikey Anderson, Defenseman, Los Angeles Kings
Data & Statistics
Avalanche 3, Kings 0 entering Game 4. Anton Forsberg’s series save percentage: .922 (19-of-22 in Game 3). Game 4 result: Avalanche 2, Kings 1 (Joel Edmundson scored the Kings’ lone goal). 3-0 series leads in NHL history: 213 instances; 40 % win Game 4; 84 series reached Game 5.
Impact & What’s Next
Colorado’s win moves it toward a second-round clash with the Stars or Wild, preserving its deep-run hopes. For Los Angeles, the loss ends Kopitar’s storied career, which includes two Stanley Cups and the franchise’s all-time points record. The Kings now face offseason decisions on roster composition and coaching direction.
