Are the Kings still a playoff team? 

Even though it was just the first game of the new year, some are already concerned about the team in Hollywood.

On the opening night of the 2025-26 season, the Los Angeles Kings opened things up on home ice against the Colorado Avalanche. Though the Kings kept the overall pace of play pretty close against the Avalanche, Los Angeles failed to overcome giving up three goals in the second period, leading to a 4-1 loss.

It’s hard to judge a team after just one loss, but how the Kings were beaten in their own barn gave some supporters the jitters, questioning whether this team has enough grit to make it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fifth year in a row.

On Wednesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton gave their thoughts on whether L.A. has what it takes to make it to the postseason.

Tyler Yaremchuk: There’s a ‘___’ percent chance they missed the playoffs this year?

Carter Hutton: Zero. They are making the playoffs. This is a team that I think is getting in. I think they have the depth. They’re gonna get there. I know it’s a tricky start. When I look at their top nine and where they’re at up front defensively. For me, it’s going to be Anton Forsberg and Darcy Kuemper. Darcy Kuemper’s 35 years old. He’s got a lot of wear and tear on him. He played a ton of games last year. I think we’ll see a little less of him if Forsberg can spot well. I truly feel this team is done. I don’t think with Anze Kopitar and Quinton Byfield down the middle, they’re going to be able to get it done. Adrian Kempe, where he’s at, the contract talks. I just think this team is too good to miss the playoffs for me.

Tyler: I’m not quite as high on them. I don’t like what Ken Holland did with that blue line over the summer. I’ve been pretty vocal about that. I’ll go a little higher, though. The only reason I won’t go higher than say 15, 20% in that range is just because I look in that Pacific Division…Is Calgary taking that spot? I don’t know. Is Vancouver taking that spot back? Everyone’s loving Anaheim right now. It’s a long season. They got to close a pretty significant 21-point gap to catch third place in the Pacific from last year. So, I’ll say 15%.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…