LOS ANGELES, CA– The Kings found the only goal to take down the Predators in overtime, 1-0.
After securing their best win of their season, the Kings wanted to follow that up with an encore performance. However, this game against the Predators would be anything but a spectacular showing from the Kings.
Through the first 40 minutes of the game, the Kings only had 6 shots on goal. They scored a whopping zero points through the first two periods.
While Los Angeles had a difficult time generating any offense, Nashville wasn’t any better. The Predators replicated the poor offense from the Kings and matched them with zero goals.
Eventually, the game would go into overtime where Quinton Byfield would sink in the game-winning goal. Adrian Kempe and Brandt Clarke were both credited for an assist on the goal.
“There wasn’t much really going either way, maybe few too many turnovers, kind of felt more like a ping pong game,” said Mikey Anderson. “But end of the day found a way to come out with two points and that’s kind of all you’re asking for this time of the year.”
Although much didn’t go right for the Kings, Darcy Kuemper was once again rock-solid. Kuemper had 24 saves and recorded a 1.000 save percentage in back-to-back games.
A low-generating game where many shots on the board was the perfect game for the Kings to rely on their goaltender. Kuemper’s goaltending and the Byfield game winner was enough for the Kings to pull away from the Predators.
Despite the loss in overtime, the Predators received great defensive performances from Brady Skjei and Justus Annunen. Skjei recorded five blocked shots and Annunen had a .952 save percentage.
Overtime may have landed in the Kings’ favor, but Los Angeles must come out the gate with better energy. A lackluster 40 minutes can not be replicated if the Kings want a win in Minnesota.
On Monday, the Kings will hit the road to face off against a Wild team that is desperately seeking playoff positioning. This game is also instrumental to the Kings as it could help keep possession of the second seed in the Pacific.
