LOS ANGELES — The Kings failed to utilize power plays against the Bruins, 2-1.
Picking up 9 points on the six-game road trip was salient for Los Angeles. Now, the Kings aim to bring that momentum back home against the Bruins.
From the get-go, the Bruins made their physical presence known. The Boston defense was active all over the ice with 28 hits and 23 blocked shots.
Outside the short-handed goal in the third period, the Kings could not generate enough offense. This allowed for the Bruins to seal the overtime victory.
Two stars were relied upon by the Bruins to walk away with a hard-fought victory. Morgan Geekie provided the firepower and Jeremy Swayman was the protector of the net.
Geekie was the one-man show as he delivered both goals for the Bruins. Swayman recorded 31 saves that accumulated for a .969 save percentage.
On the contrast, the Kings had numerous opportunities to score but could not execute on their power plays. Los Angeles had five opportunities but did not sink in a single goal.
“I don’t think we’re zipping it around, and we’re feeling good, but we are creating chances that just aren’t going in,” said Coach Hiller. “At some point you have to say, well, we’ve got to make a change, but you’d like it to catch some fire and get some traction.”
In spite of the Kings’ shortcomings, Joel Armia notched in the short-handed goal. Trevor Moore and Brian Dumoulin were both credited for an assist.
Los Angeles are on a three-game losing streak and will look to improve their power play. The Kings had nine power plays in the last two games and have not scored once.
Power-play struggles for the Kings can be solved against Ottawa, who ranks 31st in penalty kills. For the Kings to secure a win on Tuesday, they must execute on power plays against the Senators.
