What began as a nightmare turned into one of LA’s most resilient performances of the young season. Facing the NHL’s only remaining undefeated team, the Kings fell behind 3-0 early in the second period before battling back to force overtime and secure a valuable point in the Pacific Division standings.
During his postgame press conference, coach Jim Hiller seemed particularly irritated at his club for giving up a goal just 12 seconds after the game’s opening faceoff? And why wouldn’t he be? Coming off a rough stretch in their first five games, Saturday presented an opportunity to make a positive statement on home ice against a really good team before heading out on the road for a five-game road trip.
Instead, the Kings started flat and the Hurricanes wasted no time taking advantage. Carolina captain Jordan Staal opened the scoring early by capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Hiller’s group. Staal struck again three minutes later, finishing a one-timer from the low slot to beat to beat goalie Anton Forsberg. Carolina was up 2-0 and in firm control of the game.
Early in the middle frame, the Kings missed a prime opportunity when Andre Kuzmenko couldn’t convert, and moments later, the Hurricanes made it 3-0, bringing the LA crowd to a quiet murmur.
Soon thereafter, the Kings finally flipped a switch. Trevor Moore quickly responded, cutting the deficit to 3-1 with a determined solo effort and it was enough to reignite the home fans. Warren Foegele appeared to make it 3-2, but his goal was disallowed for goaltender interference (on what appeared to be a rather weak call). Nonetheless, LA kept pressing and were rewarded late in the period with a Kuzmenko power play goal. He converted a slick pass from Quinton Byfield, making it 3-2 heading into intermission.
Facing a major test early in the final frame, the Kings killed off a lengthy 5-on-3 penalty. Forsberg made several key saves to keep the deficit at one, and the successful kill seemed to energize the Kings bench. Kevin Fiala eventually tied the game, and both goalies made big stops as regulation wound down.
In overtime, the Kings struggled to maintain puck possession and ultimately surrendered the winning goal after a defensive breakdown. Still, considering their rough start, salvaging a point likely felt similar to a win.
The Kings will now look to build on this effort, as they begin a five-game road trip in St. Louis on Tuesday.
Game highlights vs. Carolina can be viewed here:
Additional game notes:
— In a bit of a swerve, the Kings opted to match their matte black helmets with their new crown third jersey. From what we heard, this was a move made very late in the afternoon, just a few hours before game time.
— Indications are, goaltender Darcy Kuemper could possibly be back as early as Tuesday. He’s been sidelined the past few games with a lower body injury.
— Anze Kopitar will most likely miss at least two more games before being ready to return from a lower body injury of his own. Fellow forward, Corey Perry, is expected to travel with the team this week and could make his Kings debut as early as Thursday in Dallas or Saturday at Nashville.
— Fiala’s goal, his team-leading fourth of the season, also marked his third consecutive game finding the back of the net. Additionally, he has now tallied 15 points (7G, 8A) in 17 career matchups with the Hurricanes.
— Byfield’s fourth assist of the season extended his point and assist streaks to a third game, dating back to Oct. 13.
— Faceoffs continue to be a work in process.
Pregame notes and lineups can be found in the article linked below.
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