NHL News: Fans unleash fury after national anthem performance

The Los Angeles Kings hosted the Edmonton Oilers Monday for a first-round Stanley Cup playoff game, and a pregame performance became a topic of conversation.

Members of the Korea Town Senior & Community Center performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to the puck drop at Crypto.com Arena. The group used harmonicas instead of singing the American national anthem.

The majority of the crowd in attendance appeared to approve of the rendition as thousands remained standing to applaud the performers. 

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Los Angeles Kings players during the national anthem before Game 1 of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena April 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Juan Ocampo/NHLI via Getty Images)

But some observers took to social media to voice their displeasure. 

“Whoever thought this was a good idea should probably not have a job,” an X user wrote.

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“What in tarnation,” another social media account stated.

LA Kings fans wave rally towels after a goal in the first period of Game 1 of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles April 21, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

Once the game started, it was a hard-fought contest.

The Oilers tied the game late in third period, but the Kings celebrated a 6-5 victory in Game 1. Los Angeles was also victorious in Game 2. 

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The third game of the series is scheduled for Friday.

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