While New York Rangers fans are likely riding on a high from the Blueshirts' most recent game featuring a 5-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the Rangers' Salute to Sam — it is time to switch gears to focussing on another matchup.
On Tuesday the Rangers face off against the LA Kings. According to various bettings odds sites, the Kings have a 54.3% chance of beating the Rangers. In order for the Rangers to prove the offs wrong and defeat the Kings they'll have to shut out LA's team leader Adrian Kempe.
Adrian Kempe
As previously mentioned, according to club statistics Kempe is the best offensive producer on the ice for LA. Across 69 games played he has an even 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points (+16). Having played for the same franchise since he was drafted in 2014, Kempe was chosen by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round (No. 29).
The left wing made his NHL debut on Feb. 16, 2017. He scored his first NHL goal in the Kings' 4-2 victory against the Washington Capitals at Staples Center on March 11. The 2017-18 season was Kempe's first full one in the League; he finished with 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists) and was plus-11 in 81 games.
During the 2024-25 season, Kempe was named to Sweden's roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off, bringing international experience that included four IIHF World Championships (gold in 2018, bronze in 2024). His point total the previous three seasons, 54 in 2021-22, 67 in 2022-23 and 75 in 2023-24, each set NHL career highs.
Kempe's older brother, Mario, joined the Kings organization when he signed as a free agent July 5, 2019, after he had 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 70 games for the Arizona Coyotes from 2017-19. Funnily enough — Mario is right wing compared to Adrian's opposite position.
Adrian is considered a key player in the NHL due to his combination of speed, elite finishing ability, responsible two-way play, and his emergence as a key offensive threat for the Los Angeles Kings, contributing significantly to both regular season and playoff success.
How to Tune In
Puck drop for the Kings hosting the Rangers is slated for 10:30 p.m. EST, tomorrow — Tuesday March 25. The game will be streamed via Fubo and be sure to tune into our Twitter for live updates.