Kings Clash with Blackhawks in Exciting NHL Matchup

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Los Angeles Kings faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks in the 27th game of the NHL regular season at the Crypto.com Arena. This matchup was particularly significant as it marked the beginning of a two-game mini-series between the two teams, concluding their season series over the next three days.

The Kings, with a record of 12 wins, 7 losses, and 7 overtime losses, were looking to capitalize on their previous victory against the Blackhawks earlier in the season. In their last encounter in October, the Kings secured a 3-1 win, thanks in part to forward Alex Laferriere, who scored during that game. Laferriere has proven to be a consistent scorer against Chicago, netting five goals over the last three seasons, which ties him for the second most in the NHL during that span. Additionally, Adrian Kempe contributed with an assist in that game, bringing his total to eight assists against the Blackhawks over the same period.

Heading into the game, the Kings were optimistic about their lineup. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper was set to make his second consecutive start, boasting a strong career record of 9-3-2 against the Blackhawks, alongside a .915 save percentage and a 2.32 goals-against average. The team also welcomed back defenseman Drew Doughty, who had missed the last seven games due to a lower-body injury. Doughty expressed confidence in his return, stating, “I feel good, I’m ready to go,” and emphasized the importance of his presence in boosting the team’s morale and performance.

The Kings had struggled in Doughty’s absence, recording only two wins in the seven games he missed, averaging just two goals per game. His return was seen as a vital boost not just for the defense but also for the team’s overall confidence and offensive capabilities. Coach Jim Hiller acknowledged Doughty’s leadership and the impact of his “swagger” on the team, suggesting that his presence could help reinvigorate the Kings’ gameplay.

On the other hand, the Chicago Blackhawks entered this matchup struggling, having lost six of their last seven games, including a recent 4-3 shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite their challenges, rookie sensation Connor Bedard stood out, ranking in the NHL’s top ten for goals, assists, and points this season. Bedard had previously scored against the Kings in their earlier matchup, and his performance would be crucial for the Blackhawks’ hopes of turning their season around.

The unique aspect of this two-game series provided both teams with an opportunity to focus and adjust their strategies against a familiar opponent. Hiller noted the benefits of playing consecutive games against the same team, allowing players to dig deeper into their preparations and make necessary adjustments on the fly.

As the Kings and Blackhawks prepared for their evening clash, fans were eager to see how the return of key players would influence the game’s outcome. With the puck set to drop at 7:00 PM Pacific, the anticipation built around this exciting NHL matchup, promising an evening filled with competitive hockey and the potential for thrilling moments on the ice.

For those unable to attend, the game was available for streaming on ESPN+ and Hulu, with audio coverage on ESPN LA 710 and the LA Kings App. As the Kings aimed to build on their previous success against the Blackhawks, all eyes were on Crypto.com Arena for what was sure to be an electrifying encounter.