The Los Angeles Kings have set a new, unusual NHL record. On Saturday, the team played its 31st overtime game of the season, a new benchmark in league history. This milestone highlights a season of tight contests and dramatic finishes for the Kings.

The milestone highlights a season defined by fine margins, dramatic finishes, and an unusually high number of games that could not be settled within regulation time.

The Kings took on the Toronto Maple Leafs at Crypto.com Arena on April 04, 2026 (Saturday) in a regular-season game. It was a tightly contested matchup, and the game went beyond the stipulated 60 minutes of play. 

Eventually, the Los Angeles Kings won the game 7-6. Quinton Byfield scored the match-sealing goal at 02:33 in overtime. Till now, the Kings have played a total of 31 overtime/shootout games. 

These numbers show the team is playing more OT games this season. Overtime games have become a recurring theme for Los Angeles.

Now, there are two ways to look at this. One is that it reflects their competitiveness, and the other shows their struggle to close out games early.

With 31 overtime appearances, the franchise surpassed the previous league mark and set a new benchmark for extra-time contests in NHL history. The Kings have won 12 games after overtime or a shootout this season (including 8 overtime wins and 4 shootout wins). 

Before the Kings set the new mark, the Boston Bruins held the NHL record after playing 30 overtime games during the 2003–04 season.

Now, let’s have a look at the overall record of the Kings this season.

A Quick Look At The Los Angeles Kings NHL 2025-26 Record

Till now, the Kings have played 76 games, winning 31 and losing 26. The numbers suggest they did not have a poor season. Rather, they have had a decent run this season till now. 

They are at No. 3 in the Wild Card (Western) standings with 81 points. However, they have also suffered 19 overtime or shootout losses, which have significantly impacted their position in the standings.

In the game against the Leafs, they were in a good position at one stage, leading 6-4. From there, they lost the plot, and the game went to OT. They held their nerves in OT and won the game 7-6. 

Kempe had two goals and two assists. Panarin also recorded 3 points, including two assists and a goal. 

The season has been characterized by closely fought games, with many contests decided by a single goal. As the playoff race intensifies, the Kings will aim to convert more of their close games into regulation wins.

While not all records are necessarily desirable, the Kings’ 31st overtime game stands as a unique chapter in NHL history. They will now play the Nashville Predators on April 06, 2026.

Read more at NHL Fan Central!

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi