The Los Angeles Kings (15-10-9) snapped a four-game losing streak with a gutsy 2-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning (18-13-3) on Thursday night. Adrian Kempe scored both goals in the second period, while Anton Forsberg stopped 31 of 32 shots. The Kings gain a two-point lead in the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference, while the Lightning slide below the playoff line in the Eastern Conference.
Summary of the game
The first period went the way of the Lightning. At 11:41, Kempe was assessed a minor cross-checking penalty, giving the Lightning a chance on the power play. They took advantage, with Oliver Bjorkstrand finishing a shot right in front for a 1-0 lead at 12:54.
However, the kings were not afraid. Kempe took control of the game and scored two goals in the second. He had a great shot that got past Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy with 5:21 left in the second, and about ten minutes later Kempe took a Pontus Holmberg turnover all the way to the back of the net at 15:58.
The third period saw no goals, but Kings winger Corey Perry had a gritty third. At 6:55 p.m., he was accused of holding Lightning defenseman Charles-Edouard D’Astous’ stick, causing him to receive a minor. Unfortunately, he also received a misconduct penalty for that. That gave the Lightning a six-on-four power play, with Vasilevskiy going to the bench. Unfortunately, the Lightning couldn’t capitalize in that short time frame, ending the game.
Stars and schedule
The Kings ended a four-game skid and ended their road trip. They will be rewarded with a three-game homestand against the Columbus Blue Jackets (December 22), Seattle Kraken (December 23) and Anaheim Ducks (December 27). The Ducks game could be crucial for the Kings in their quest to become the top dog in the Pacific Division.
Related: A review of the Dan Boyle trade that still affects the Lightning
Meanwhile, the Lightning, despite a Few players return from injuryare on a three-game losing streak and have recorded just two wins in December. In any case, they stay at home against the Carolina Hurricanes (December 20) and the St. Louis Blues (December 22) before facing the Florida Panthers on the road (December 27).
#Kempe #scores #Kings #win #Lightning #Hockey #Writers #Los #Angeles #Kings #Latest #news #analysis