The Los Angeles Kings have decided to part ways with general manager Rob Blake following a disappointing season that culminated in their fourth consecutive first-round playoff exit. Blake, who has been with the organization since 2017, oversaw five playoff appearances but was unable to advance past the first round each time. His tenure included significant trades and acquisitions, such as bringing in Kevin Fiala and Pierre-Luc Dubois, the latter of whom flopped in Los Angeles. The team will now look for a new general manager to shape its future and determine the fate of head coach Jim Hiller, who remains under contract.

Blake's era was marked by notable roster changes, including trading franchise goalie Jonathan Quick and young defenseman Sean Durzi, all while trying to transition the team into a new era led by stars like 22-year-old Quinton Byfield. Kings' president Luc Robitaille expressed gratitude for Blake's dedication but emphasized the need for a fresh approach to improve the team's playoff performances.

The Los Angeles Kings fell to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, culminating in a thrilling 6-4 defeat at Rogers Place. Despite strong performances throughout the season, including franchise records for wins and home victories, the Kings were unable to secure a playoff series win against the Oilers for the first time since 1989. Key contributors for Edmonton included Adam Henrique, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Connor Brown, who each made significant impacts during the series.

Quinton Byfield scored early for the Kings, but the Oilers quickly equalized and seized control of the game with a flurry of goals. The Kings fought back valiantly, bringing the game close late, but a last-second empty-net goal from Brown sealed their fate. Goalie Darcy Kuemper faced an astounding number of shots throughout the series, highlighting the intense offensive play from both teams.

The Los Angeles Kings faced disappointment once again, falling to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. The series concluded with a 6-4 loss in Game 6 at Rogers Place, a venue that has become a nightmare for the Kings. Despite a strong regular season, where they tied franchise records with 48 wins and 105 points, their postseason performance failed to deliver.

During the decisive Game 6, Quinton Byfield, Brandt Clarke, Jordan Spence, and Anze Kopitar scored for the Kings while the Oilers saw contributions from Adam Henrique, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Darnell Nurse, Trent Frederic, and Connor Brown. The Kings started strong with Byfield scoring just 79 seconds into the game, but they could not maintain their lead against the high-octane offense of Edmonton. The loss leaves the Kings searching for answers as they prepare for next season.

Adrian Kempe's stellar performance, featuring two third-period goals and two assists, propelled the Los Angeles Kings to a commanding 6-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, giving them a 2-0 lead in the playoff series.

Captain Anze Kopitar also shone brightly, contributing with a goal and three assists. Quinton Byfield and Andrei Kuzmenko each continued their scoring streaks, while rookie Brandt Clarke netted his first playoff goal. Los Angeles showcased its dominance, scoring five power-play goals across the two games, a significant turnaround from their regular season struggles in that area.

Despite the Oilers' efforts, including goals from Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson, they failed to contain the Kings' offensive surge. As the series shifts to Edmonton for Game 3, the Kings will aim to strengthen their grip on the series against their Pacific Division rivals.

Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers has received a one-game suspension without pay from the NHL for a cross-checking incident involving Quinton Byfield of the Los Angeles Kings during a recent game. The incident occurred in the second period, where Nurse was penalized with a major penalty and a game misconduct. This suspension means he will miss the Oilers' final regular-season matchup against the San Jose Sharks.

As a result of the suspension, Nurse will forfeit $48,177.08, which will be redirected to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. The Kings, who won the game 5-0, accused the Oilers of fielding a weakened team in an effort to potentially injure players ahead of their upcoming playoff series.