Kings Defeat Blues 2-1 in Overtime: Kuemper, Laferriere Shine
The Los Angeles Kings secured a hard-fought 2-1 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center. This game marked the beginning of a five-game road trip. With this win, the Kings ended a four-game losing streak.
Kings Defeat Blues 2-1 in Overtime: Game Overview
The game started without any goals in the first period, which ended in a 0-0 tie. The Kings had a potential scoring opportunity when forward Phillip Danault nearly capitalized on a Blues defensive error, but his attempt was stopped by goaltender Jordan Binnington.
Key Moments of the Game
The scoring opened early in the second period. Adrian Kempe intercepted a Blues turnover, passing the puck to Alex Laferriere. Laferriere skillfully navigated past Binnington, scoring his first goal of the season and putting the Kings ahead 1-0.
Shortly after, the Blues capitalized on a power play, tying the game at 1-1. Justin Faulk scored after receiving a pass from Robert Thomas, allowing the Blues to level the score early in the third period.
Overtime Triumph
As the game moved into overtime, the Kings seized the moment. A penalty against Andrei Kuzmenko set up a 4-on-3 power play. Kempe scored the game-winning goal with a powerful one-timer from the right circle after receiving a pass from Kuzmenko, securing a crucial two points for the Kings.
Player Highlights
- Adrian Kempe: Contributed a goal and an assist, marking his sixth assist of the season.
- Alex Laferriere: Scored his first goal of the season and contributed to the Kings’ offense.
- Darcy Kuemper: Stopped 17 of 18 shots, earning his first win of the season.
- Kevin Fiala: Assisted on the game-winning goal, achieving his 25th career point against the Blues.
- Corey Perry: Made his debut with the Kings, adding veteran experience to the lineup.
Coaches and Players Speak
Head Coach Jim Hiller praised the team’s overall performance, emphasizing the importance of building momentum for the road trip. He highlighted that the team performed well under pressure, showcasing their character.
Kuemper reflected on the victory as a solid foundation to build upon during the trip. Laferriere expressed his comfort playing in a crucial role and noted the importance of the win as a momentum builder.
Upcoming Matches
The Kings will continue their road trip with a match against the Dallas Stars. They aim to maintain the same level of intensity and commitment shown against the Blues. The team is set to practice tomorrow in Texas, preparing for the challenges ahead.
