The team's attempt to defend their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history was ended by the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Finals.
[2] They lost 5–2 in their season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on January 19, surrendering more goals than in any of the 20 games during their 2012 playoff run.
[2] Los Angeles led 1–0 until the third period, when the Oilers appeared to tie it with 1:05 left after Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored, but it was overturned after Jonathan Quick successfully argued Edmonton forward Sam Gagner interfered with him in the crease.
[2] Los Angeles continued to struggle with the power play, failing to capitalize on a 5-on-3 with their first unit on the ice the first 81 seconds.
Dustin Brown scored his first goal of the season,[16] and although the Kings' offense struggled,[17] their defense allowed only 11 shots in regulation and three more in overtime.
[16] Los Angeles opened the month with a 4–7 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on February 2, marking the second time in the season they allowed five goals in regulation.
[nb 1] They beat the St. Louis Blues 4–1 on February 11, with backup goaltender Jonathan Bernier making 21 saves in his first start with the Kings.
Los Angeles matched their season best for goals, and Carter scored twice for the first time since game six of the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals.
[29] Martinez, however, suffered an upper body injury in the first period and was placed on injured reserve, joining fellow defencemen Greene and Mitchell.
Trailing 3–0 in the third period, Richards scored two power play goals,[32] but Los Angeles failed to tie the game on a six-on-four after pulling Quick from the ice.
[34][35] Bernier had his third start and win of the season against Calgary,[36] during which Los Angeles took six shots in the first five minutes before Brown scored on the seventh.
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes Final stats[41]