The Montréal Canadiens (33-18-10) take on the Los Angeles Kings (25-22-14) in a cross-conference clash. The Canadiens are pushing for a strong playoff position in the Atlantic Division, boasting a potent offense but inconsistent defense. The Kings, meanwhile, are battling for a wild-card spot in the Pacific, relying on home-ice advantage and veteran leadership amid injury challenges. This matchup could hinge on goaltending and special teams execution.
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST (4:00 PM PST local time)
- Broadcast: ESPN+, FanDuel Sports Network West, Sportsnet (SN), TVAS
Recent Team Forms
The Canadiens have been solid but slipped in recent road games, while the Kings are showing signs of recovery at home after a rough stretch.
| Team | Last 10 Record | Key Recent Results |
| Montréal Canadiens | 5-3-2 | L 5-6 SO @ ANA (Mar 6), L 5-7 @ SJS (Mar 3), W 6-2 vs. WSH (Feb 28), W 3-1 vs. ARI (Feb 26), W 5-1 @ WPG (Feb 4). The Canadiens rank top-5 in goals for (3.54 G/G) but 24th in goals against (3.30 G/G); they’ve gone Over in 7 of last 10 road games. |
| Los Angeles Kings | 3-7-0 | W 5-3 vs. NYI (Mar 5), L 2-4 vs. COL (Mar 2), W 2-0 vs. CGY (Feb 28), L 1-8 vs. EDM (Feb 26), L 4-6 vs. VGK (Feb 24). The Kings are 3-2-0 in their last 5 at home, with strong PK (76.3%, 27th) but struggling offense (2.56 G/G, 30th); Under has hit in 6 of last 10 overall. |
The Canadiens are 3-4-1 in their last 8 road games, while the Kings have won 2 of their last 3 at Crypto.com Arena.
Injury Report
Injuries are hitting the Kings harder, particularly up front, while the Canadiens are missing key scoring depth. Here’s the latest as of March 7, 2026 morning:
| Team | Player | Position | Injury | Status | Expected Return |
| Montréal Canadiens | Patrik Laine | RW | Lower Body | Out/IR | Mid-March 2026 (week-to-week) |
| Montréal Canadiens | Joe Veleno | C | Undisclosed | Out | Mid-March 2026 (did not play Mar 3) |
| Los Angeles Kings | Joel Armia | RW | Upper Body | IR/Out | Late March 2026 (3-4 weeks) |
| Los Angeles Kings | Quinton Byfield | RW | Upper Body | Day-to-Day/Questionable | March 7, 2026 (possible for game) |
| Los Angeles Kings | Kevin Fiala | LW | Leg | IR/Out | Mid-March 2026 |
| Los Angeles Kings | Andrei Kuzmenko | LW | Knee (Torn Meniscus) | IR/Out (Post-Surgery) | Late March 2026 (week-to-week) |
Drew Doughty (lower body) is expected back for the Kings after missing time but played in the Mar 5 win.
The Canadiens will lean on Sam Montembeault (.897 SV%) in goal, while Darcy Kuemper (.913 SV%) starts for LA.
Key Player Matchups
This game pits Montréal’s high-scoring forwards against LA’s veteran core and goaltending. Watch these battles:
- Nick Suzuki (MTL) vs. Anze Kopitar (LAK): Suzuki leads the Canadiens with 52 points (22G-30A) and excels on the power play (8 PPG). Kopitar, with 45 points (15G-30A), is a shutdown center averaging 21:45 TOI/G and winning 50.9% of face-offs. This matchup could decide possession in the neutral zone.
- Cole Caufield (MTL) vs. Darcy Kuemper (LAK): Caufield has 38 points (24G-14A) and is on a hot streak (6 goals in last 10 games). His quick release tests Kuemper (.913 SV% overall, .920 at home), who has allowed just 2.53 GAA in his career.
- Kirby Dach (MTL) vs. Drew Doughty (LAK): Dach contributes 35 points (12G-23A) with speed on the wing. Doughty (14 points, 22:48 TOI/G) returns from injury and will aim to neutralize Dach’s rushes with physical play.
- Adrian Kempe (LAK) vs. Canadiens Defense: Kempe tops the Kings with 42 points (18G-24A) and 6 PPG. Montréal’s blue line (allowing 3.30 GA/G) is vulnerable, especially without Laine’s support; Mike Matheson (28 points) must contain Kempe’s speed.
Other players to watch: Juraj Slafkovsky (MTL, 15G) for secondary scoring; Phillip Danault (LAK, strong two-way play) against his former team.
Series History
- All-Time: Canadiens lead 97-44-20-1 (162 games total, including playoffs).
- This Season: Kings lead 2-0 (W 5-1 @ MTL on Nov 11; W 6-3 vs. MTL on Feb 5).
- At Crypto.com Arena: Canadiens are 44-26-9-1 all-time on LA’s home ice, but Kings have won 9 of the last 10 overall meetings (including 5 straight at home).
The Kings have outscored the Canadiens 11-4 this season.
Betting Trends
- Puck Line: MTL is 28-32 ATS overall; LA is 15-16 ATS at home.
- Over/Under: Over has hit in 32 of MTL’s 61 games (high-scoring offense); Under in 7 of LA’s last 10 (defensive home stands).
- Trends: Kings are 9-1 in last 10 vs. MTL; Canadiens are 9-8 as +110 or longer underdogs. Public betting: 62% on Kings ML, 55% on Over.
Game Odds
Montréal Canadiens 5.5
Los Angeles Kings – 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 6, 2026
