Thursday night, Crypto.com Arena provided the stage for a Halloween Eve showdown between the Kings and Red Wings. It marked the first meeting between the teams since Jim Hiller took over as LA’s head coach, succeeding Todd McLellan — who is now behind the bench for Detroit. The game was packed with controversy and dramatic comebacks, making for a memorable night of hockey.
Despite coming out of the gates energized, LA’s early chances were all turned aside by former Kings goalie Cam Talbot. Both teams played a tight opening frame, suggesting this might play out as a low scoring and tight defensive struggle.
After intensity ramped up from both sides in the second period, a questionable penalty on Kevin Fiala put the Kings shorthanded. But Alex Laferriere turned the tables with a shorthanded goal, giving LA a lead. Detroit’s Alex DeBrincat made sure that was short lived, though. He responded quickly and capitalized on the same power play to tie the game.
Momentum swung further in the road team’s favor when Mario Kasper scored on another power play, deflecting a shot that appeared to be played with a high stick. After video review, there was no conclusive evidence to overturn the call, and the goal stood. This gave the Red Wings a lead heading into the final period of regulation.
Again, Hiller’s squad was pressuring once play resumed, but they failed to convert on two consecutive power plays. Kasper struck again late in the third, extending Detroit’s lead to two goals. Then, things went a bit wonky.
With time running out and already on the power play, the Kings pulled their goalie to create a 6-on-4 advantage. Veteran Corey Perry delivered again; his goal brought LA closer, but time was running out. Still down by one, the Kings pulled their goalie again, and Perry found the net once more, sending the game to overtime.
The Kings appeared to have completed the comeback in overtime when Fiala scored on the power play. However, after review, officials in Toronto determined there was enough contact with the goalie to overturn the goal, leaving the game deadlocked. Still tied after 65 minutes of play, it was on to the shootout — where Lucas Raymond scored the only goal, securing a win for Detroit.
In a nutshell, this game showcased the importance of special teams. Although the Kings scored a shorthanded goal, they could only convert on one of four powerplays. Conversely, LA’s penalty kill — which looked strong in the previous game — allowed two goals on Detroit’s three chances.
Game highlights can be viewed here:
Additional game notes:
— Perry has a five-game point streak, with five goals and an assist during that stretch. For the record, his second goal of the night was originally credited to Quinton Byfield before the NHL corrected the scoring and awarded it to Perry on a deflection.
— Kings have secured a point in seven straight games.
Pregame notes and lineups can be found in the article linked below.
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