If there was ever a game that exemplified ‘it’s not how you start, but how you finish,’ Sunday night in Anaheim would likely be counselor’s exhibit No. 1 for the Kings.
Don’t be fooled by the final score of 4-1. That’s a bit misleading.
After managing just five shots on goal in the opening 20 minutes of play, LA started to find their legs in the second period. Let’s be clear, though, the middle frame wasn’t all that exciting either. Yet, by staying out of the penalty box and getting two power plays, at least the ice started to tilt in the Kings direction.
Come P3, coach Jim Hiller finally saw his team pour on the attack, outshooting the Ducks 19-5. Keep in mind, the Kings had 18 shots on goal coming into the final frame, so calling it a barrage wouldn’t necessarily be hyperbole.
Adrian Kempe struck first, as he’s known to do in Anaheim. Over 19 career games at Honda Center, Kempe has produced 20 points (14G, 6A).
Second-year pro Alex Laferriere continues to bring the offense early this season, scoring his fourth goal of the season to put the Kings up 2-0. This came after he after simply broke up a pass from a Ducks defenseman and quickly converted. It eventually stood for his second consecutive game-winning goal.
Two empty net goals in the final couple of minutes made it seem like LA put a hurting on the home team, when in fact the score was still 2-1 with only 1:10 remaining on the clock.
Key Stat: LA won 68% of the faceoffs (36/53), which may have been the greater accomplishment of the night. Over the first five games of the year, the team had a combined 46% success rate.
Turcotte Time: Building on the above note, Alex Turcotte was the best Kings player at the dot on Sunday, winning 80% of his draws (8-of-10). He also collected an assist to extend his point streak to four games.
Daddy’s Home: After missing the two prior games to be home with his wife for the birth of their first child, getting 6-foot-5 Joel Edmundson back helped solidify the defense. This was especially noticeable on the penalty kill — something noted by several players postgame.
If You Know, You Know: Hiller called this Tanner Jeannot’s best game in a Kings uniform (more below). His stat line showed four shots on goal with 11:22 TOI.
Looking Ahead: After another victory on their season-opening road trip, the Kings have now collected 8 points over their first six games (3-1-2). They’ll now head to Vegas for a critical matchup with the Golden Knights on Tuesday. Preseason projections had the two clubs battling for playoff positions in the Pacific Division; so, even though it’s only October, there will be plenty at stake.
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