LOS ANGELES, CA– In the first home game since the Los Angeles fires, the Kings were dominated by the Penguins, 5-1.
After the Flames game was canceled due to the fires, the Kings honored the Fire Department and first responders who helped fight off this travesty in the area. The game was supposed to help the team play with an extra spark in this emotional event.
“Disappointing on a night like this, I can tell you I can probably can count five times I’ve been disappointed in our team this season,” Coach Hiller said. “And tonight was one of them. Tonight is one, maybe the most.”
It was actually Pittsburgh who came into this game like they had something to play for. The Penguins’ offense came out ready to control the pace and attack the Kings defense. After a quick two-goal lead in the first period, Pittsburgh never looked back.
Pittsburgh generated 32 shots, which was enough of a problem for Kings goaltender, David Rittich. From these attempts, Rittich allowed five goals.
Sidney Crosby, Kevin Hayes and Anthony Beauviller led the way for the Penguins. They all recorded two points with each of them collecting a goal and an assist.
In the blowout loss, Adrian Kempe scored the only goal for the Kings. Anže Kopitar and Jordan Spence were both credited for an assist.
Los Angeles is in a slump as they have now dropped four of their past five games.
A battle against the defending Stanley Cup Champions will determine if the Kings will get back to their winning ways. The Kings will challenge the Panthers on Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena.
