Just when it looked like they might make a late run at first place, the Kings suffered a rare home defeat Monday night. It was just their fifth regulation loss of the season at Crypto.com Arena, and only their ninth overall. While this preventing the opportunity to close the five-point gap with Vegas for top spot in the Pacific Division, LA was able to maintain their four-point lead over the Oilers (who were defeated in regulation, as well).
All three teams have five games remaining for what is sure to be a topsy turvy endeavor for home ice advantage in the playoffs.
As for the game itself, things started off promising enough. Within the first two minutes of play, Quinton Byfield scored a highlight-reel goal for his 20th marker of the season — matching his career-high from last season.
Later in the same frame, LA had a golden opportunity to extend the lead when Seattle’s Josh Mahura and Adam Larsson each took penalties nine seconds apart; giving the Kings a two-man advantage for nearly a full two minutes. After mustering one shot with the on the ensuing power play, it appeared to shift momentum to Seattle for the remainder of the game. Full game highlights are available below.
Postgame Tidbits:
— Darcy Kuemper pushed his streak of allowing two goals or less to 14 straight games.
— Byfield became the eighth player from the 2020 Draft class to have multiple 20-goal seasons.
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