143: Crown Control Issues

The Los Angeles Kings are in the playoffs! And one big reason for that accomplishment is mastering the art of losing. After setting a record for most overtime games and most OT losses, those points earned in extra minutes helped the Kings sneak into the final spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And though the team lost their first game against the Colorado Avalanche, keeping the score to 2-1 is inspiring some dangerous feelings of... hope? Chanelle and Diane unpack the end of the regular season, Game 1 of the Kings-Avs series, and of course use the opportunity to revisit loving Adrian Kempe (and why he should be the future).

A lot has changed for the Kings since the Olympic break ended. Jim Hiller is OUT as the coach, and the trade deadline saw a few players leave (like Foegele and Perry) and others join (like Joseph and Laughton). Chanelle and Diane get into how this all has changed the team on the ice so far and whether there's more optimism about the team making the playoffs now. Plus, what's up with all the season-ending injuries and Department of Play Safety drama?

Babyyyy, Team USA hockey went to the 2026 Olympics in Italy and came back with TWO gold medals. Both the Women's and Men's hockey teams came out on top. Chanelle and Diane were letting their eagle wings soar all over the Los Angeles streets... until the record scratch circus of the US Men's hockey team's post-win tragicomedy of errors. Woof! Plus, it's time to turn the attention back to the NHL. Could the Kings-ification of the Olympic in-game sounds bring a little golden magic back to help the boys in black?

The LA Kings went into the Olympic with a whimper.... except when it comes to trade news. Chanelle and Diane get into the good and the ugly, and then try to untangle how much of this move is about this season vs 2026-27. Plus, it's time to finally indulge in a little Olympics hype until the NHL returns.

The LA Kings are still losing more than winning, but at least they're back to making it to overtime? Look, we have to take the small joys where we can. Luckily, the list of joys includes Brandt Clarke, and like so many Kings fans, we're ready for Coach Jim Hiller to put trust in Clarke more consistently. Plus, Chanelle and Diane dig into trade rumors (quick take: ugh!), touch on NHL players reacting to the 'Heated Rivalry' phenomenon and get pretty excited about a goalie fight (!!!) last week.

Despite the LA Kings having one of their most disappointing stretches of the season, several players have made Olympic rosters! Diane and Chanelle get into how they hope the 2026 Winter Olympics affect the Kings. Plus, debating Team USA omissions and ambitions, admitting the Phil Danault trade may signal than first assumed, celebrating Alex Laferriere's hat trick, a hopeful harbinger of power play goals to come, and more.

We have a trade to announce... After a ton of rumors, the Kings and Phillip Danault are officially dunzo. Though that trade is hardly the biggest one in recent NHL news. So Chanelle and Diane also talk about Quinn Hughes leaving Vancouver, an unfortunate on-air gaffe in Philadelphia (still laughed), and ponder how the climatic moment in 'Heated Rivalry' episode 5 might play out in real life.

More than 25 games in, Diane and Chanelle hash out why watching the LA Kings feels more frustrating that their record really shows. And just as the pod starts wrapping up the bellyaching — Coach Peter DeBoer rumors?!

Kempe contract!! The LA Kings are still a wild ride of ups and downs, but Kempe's new 8-year deal has Chanelle and Diane feeling all the way up. Now that's he locked in... could he become the next Kings captain after this season? Speaking of, Kopitar's retirement tour rolled through the towns of some fellow legends, making the long goodbye start to feel a little more real. Plus, the pod checks in on Jonathan Quick still being a lovable hot head, weird recent injuries on other teams and works through feelings about the upcoming hockey romance show 'Heated Rivalry,' that's totally, absolutely not based on Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Chanelle and Diane discuss the recent ups and downs of the Los Angeles Kings, focusing on Adrian Kempe's new contract, the potential for him to become captain, and the emotional legacy of Anze Kopitar. They also delve into the team's performance, injuries affecting key players, and the upcoming hockey show 'Heated Rivalry' that explores relationships in the sport. The conversation highlights fan reactions, media portrayals of hockey, and the need for consistency in the Kings' gameplay.

The Kings roller coaster continues. They can't escape the middle of the pack early in the season, putting Diane and Chanelle in the uncomfortable position of... being grateful for Corey Perry. Plus, uhhh, did you read that story about Arthur Kaliyev? Suddenly some things about his choppy career in Los Angeles might makes a little more sense.