LOS ANGELES — The Kings were manhandled in their regular-season finale against the Flames, 5-1.
Before this game, playoff positioning was already set in stone for the Kings. Even a few players such as Adrian Kempe and Darcy Kuemper would take the night off.
There were no real implications for Los Angeles, and it sure looked like that from the players. Throughout the first two periods, the Kings looked unenergetic and unmotivated as Clagary got the lead.
Only down 1-0, Los Angeles had a chance to steal it in the third, but the team played even worse, especially on defense. The Flames scored four goals in the third period and stormed out to a 5-0 lead.
Calgary may have been eliminated from the playoffs, but the team was determined to end the season on a strong note. Nazem Kadri, Mikael Blacklund and Dryden Hunt were the driving force in the Flames’ dominance.
Kadri scored two goals, Blacklund had a goal and an assist, while Hunt had two assists. All three players scored two points on the night, which was the most in the game.
Down five goals and the certainty of a blowout loss, Taylor Ward would still try to make the most in his NHL debut. Eventually, Ward would score not only a goal for the Kings, but secured his first ever NHL goal.
“Took a long time, it was a long road to get here tonight and just very fortunate to come play here in this building for this team,” said Taylor Ward. “It’s the best night of my life, so very happy, very excited for me and my family.”
What made the Taylor Ward goal even more special is that it was assisted by Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarffke. The two former Ontario Reign teammates of Ward helped make his magical moment in the NHL come true.
Now that the regular season is officially over, it is playoff time for Los Angeles. The Kings will be matched up against the Edmonton Oilers for the fourth consecutive season.
Unlike the previous encounters, Game 1 will actually be in Los Angeles and that will be important for the best home team in the NHL. If the Kings finally want to conquer the Oilers, it will be vital to secure the early series lead on Monday.
