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The Los Angeles Kings dropped their second game in a row last night, suffering a 2-0 shutout loss to the Edmonton Oilers.
Final from Edmonton. #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/bzi1DC4Tub
— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 31, 2023
The game began in a tough way for the Kings, with Mikey Anderson going down with an injury in his first shift of the game, off a hit from Connor McDavid. Anderson left the game and did not return, while McDavid was assessed a boarding penalty.
Then following a relatively even first frame, the Oilers were able to pull ahead in the last minute of the period courtesy of a one-timer from Evander Kane, set-up on a great pass from Leon Draisaitl.
The game really opened up in the second period though, with some excellent chances going back both ways. Through the first half of the frame, Joonas Korpisalo was called upon for some huge saves but the momentum completely swung in the back half of the period, with the Kings getting some great chances of their own. How there were no goals scored in the frame is hard to fathom.
Los Angeles then ended up with a power play early in the third period but it was Connor McDavid who took advantage, intercepting a pass and going back down ice on a breakaway, beating Korpisalo to extend the lead. The Kings certainly had their chances afterwards but despite throwing 19 shots on goal in the final frame, they still fell 2-0.
It marks the second loss in a row for the Kings, following their long point streak. Between their two losses on the road trip, they’ve also managed just a single goal.
At the same time, they played a pretty strong game against the Oilers. As expected, you’re going to give up more chances against the Oilers than most teams, but the Kings were getting just as many chances of their own to compensate.
The Kings were victims of two very good goaltending performances in their losses to the Flames and Oilers this week, scoring one goal on just 76 shots. If this was a team that frequently struggled to convert, perhaps that would be cause for concern but more than anything, they came up just short in two close games.
In terms of the injury, hopefully Mikey Anderson is alright. It was a dangerous hit and Anderson being out for an extended period would be a huge loss for the Kings.
The loss does tighten up the Pacific Division playoff race, though. The Vegas Golden Knights are now three points up on Los Angeles for top spot. Plus, the Edmonton Oilers have also passed the Kings for second place, going a point ahead (but having played an extra game). Even if the Kings can’t take top spot away from Vegas, home ice is still really important to strive for in the last stretch of games. The Kings have been one of the best home teams in the NHL this year, so managing to finish ahead of the Oilers would be a big help.
One thing’s for sure, though: if the Kings and Oilers do meet in a first round rematch, based on last night’s tilt, we can expect a wildly entertaining series. The teams combined for 80 shots in the game and if not for a great goaltending performance at each end, the score would’ve been much higher.
The Kings will close out their road trip with a weekend back-to-back, beginning tomorrow against the Seattle Kraken.
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