“It sucks. I think the effort is there, it’s hard to fault the effort, but it’s executing,” said Kings forward Joel Armia following the team’s narrow 4-3 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth on March 22, 2026.
The Kings, who had previously maintained a perfect 4-0-0 record against the Mammoth, found themselves in a challenging position after a disappointing 4-1 defeat to the Buffalo Sabres just a day earlier. Despite the loss, Artemi Panarin managed to score the first goal for the Kings against the Sabres, showcasing his continued offensive prowess.
In the game against the Mammoth, Lawson Crouse opened the scoring with two goals in the first period, giving Utah an early advantage. The Kings fought back, with Quinton Byfield and Alex Laferriere contributing to the scoreboard, but ultimately fell short.
Nick Schmaltz sealed the victory for the Mammoth with a game-winning goal in overtime, leaving the Kings with a record of 28-25-17 for the season. The Mammoth, on the other hand, improved to 37-28-6.
As the Kings continue their push for a playoff spot, they find themselves three points behind the Nashville Predators, highlighting the urgency of their upcoming games. The margin for error has all but evaporated, and the team will need to summon its best hockey down the stretch if it hopes to extend its season into the playoffs.
Panarin’s performance has been a bright spot for the Kings, as he has now scored in three consecutive games, and his six career goals against Utah are the most by any player in NHL history.
The Kings will face the Calgary Flames on March 24, 2026, in what will be a crucial matchup as they strive to regain their footing in the playoff race.
Details remain unconfirmed.
