LA Kings drop out of a playoff spot as the team endures a terrible start from goalie Darcy Kuemper

The Los Angeles Kings stage a valiant comeback but fall short in a wild eight-round shootout to the Nashville Predators, raising urgent questions about Darcy Kuemper’s goaltending as the playoff race tightens. With only seven regular-season games left, Kuemper’s shaky start and costly mistakes come under fire, while interim head coach DJ Smith faces mounting pressure to make bold lineup decisions. Can Anton Forsberg take over in net and steady the Kings’ postseason push? Eddie Garcia spotlights standout performances from Adrian Kempe who netted two goals and hit the 30-goal milestone. Key topics include lineup shuffles, the reunion of the Kings’ effective fourth line, and the impact of defensive blunders at this critical juncture. The episode offers up-to-date Pacific Division playoff standings, promising young goalie signings, and a look at must-win upcoming matchups against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators. 00:00 Kings Lose in Shootout Opening recap of the Kings' shootout loss to the Predators, playoff implications, and evaluation of the team's slow start and goaltending concerns. 12:21 Goalie Analysis & Team Changes In-depth analysis of Darcy Kuemper's performance, discussion of crucial mistakes by veteran players, debate over goaltending decisions, and suggested changes in the lineup and fourth line configuration. 22:15 Playoff Race & Kings News Check-in on the Pacific Division standings, playoff race context for the Kings, news of signing goaltending prospects, and key upcoming games and team notes. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: lockedonlakings.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Robinhood You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering$300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.