Tonight’s match against Tampa Bay Lightning (18-13-3), Los Angeles (15-10-9) relied on its defense, physical play, strong goaltending from Anton Forsberg and a pair of goals from Adrian Kempe to end the Kings’ four-game losing streak.
Tampa Bay struck first on its only power play of the night after a cross-checking penalty on Kempe, giving Tampa the lead 1-0 at the start of the first period. But Kempe made up for his early play by scoring two goals in the second period, which made the difference tonight in Tampa, ending the Lightning’s game. top 10 offensesdespite the fact that the Kings were outshot 32-20.
Love at first sight first
The opening period was fast, physical and chaotic, with both teams trading hits and giveaways, particularly the Kingswho ended the evening with 20 gifts. Tampa Bay scored his only goal of the game midway through the first period after the Kings were awarded a penalty.
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Oliver Bjorkstrand was able to convert for the Lightning on the power play, finding his own rebound up front and sliding the puck into the net. Despite Tampa Bay’s goal, Forsberg did a tremendous job anchoring the defense, saving 31 shots and allowing just one goal.
THE Lightning also had a chance to extend their lead 2-0 to end the first period, but the goal was saved by Forsberg after Dominic James came very close to extending Tampa’s lead.
Kempe takes over second
Los Angeles flipped the script to start the second half with Kempe in the lead.
THE Kings Kempe tied the game five minutes into the period, beating Andrei Vasilevskiy from the high position in traffic with Tampa Bay unable to close down the shooting lane.
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On Kempe’s goal, Anze Kopitar assisted, scoring his 200th career point in December, only the second skater to record 200 or more career points over multiple calendar months, joining Marcel Dionne.
More than 10 minutes later, Kempe delivered the decisive moment. A Pontus Holmberg turnover helped Kempe break through the ice on a clean breakaway. The Kings winger got past Tampa Bay defenders, stayed patient and fired the shot past Vasilevskiy to give Los Angeles a 2-1 lead.
The kings repress late
The third period belonged to Forsberg and the defense he played Lightning. Tampa Bay didn’t give up at all, pushing hard and putting pressure on Forsberg, but he stood tall and stopped every shot that came his way.
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It was a crucial match for Los Angeles because of everything they’ve been through during their four-game losing streak, including player frustration, coaching issues and ongoing discussions about roster changes.
But the Kings can play like that any night, so it’s no surprise; it’s just a question of whether Los Angeles can stay consistent, rather than being a roller coaster like they have been throughout this season.
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