Glass shatters over Los Angeles Kings bench after fans pound on boards during playoff game

A shocking moment unfolded during an NHL playoff game when glass shattered above the Los Angeles Kings bench after overly enthusiastic fans repeatedly pounded on the boards.

According to People, the incident occurred during a game against the Colorado Avalanche on April 21, when fans celebrating a key play began hitting the glass behind the Kings’ bench.

The pressure caused an entire pane to break, sending shards down onto players and head coach DJ Smith. Broadcast footage showed Smith covering his head as pieces fell onto him before he stepped away briefly to clean off and receive assistance.

The game was paused for more than 15 minutes while arena staff cleared the debris and replaced the glass panel.

 

 

 

 

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Despite the alarming moment, Smith was not seriously injured and later returned to the bench. Speaking after the game, he said one fan in particular “kept pushing and pushing and pushing” on the glass before it finally gave way.

Players and coaches from the Avalanche acknowledged the unusual incident, attributing it to the high-energy playoff atmosphere. “Fans got a little too excited,” captain Gabriel Landeskog said after the game.

The Avalanche went on to win the game 2–1 in overtime, but the shattered glass moment quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the matchup, raising questions about fan safety and arena precautions during intense games.