LA Kings lose 2 close games to Vancouver and Dallas as Playoffs approach- March 2024

The Vancouver Canucks came to LA to avenge their 5-1 loss to the Kings the prior week.

The Kings took a 1-0 lead in the first period on a great pass from Phillip Danault to Trevor Moore, who scored his team leading 24th goal. Elias Peterson scored his 30th goal of the season the second period tied it up making some great moves and scoring on a wrist shot past kings goalie Cam Talbot. Young Canucks defenseman Quinton Hughes got his 60th assist of the season as he was flying around the ice the whole evening using his speed. The game was tied and went into overtime before a delayed penalty was called, and Vancouver got an extra player onto the ice. That’s when JT Miller scored his 31st of the season from another assist from Hughes and the game was over. The Canucks are deep and loaded so keep an eye out for them.

Despite the loss, the Kings moved into third place in the pacific division ahead of Vegas as LA also has a game in hand. This is the stretch run as a season down for seedings and crucial time to keep winning. The homestand continues at Crypto.com arena on Thursday versus Ottawa, then Saturday versus Dallas and finally Monday versus the Islanders.

The Kings struggled again versus the Dallas Stars. There was some good news as Adrian Kemp returned from his injury and it looked promising as Kevin Fiala scored in the first minute of the game. However, they were shut out the rest of the game and Dallas ended up winning 4-1.  Jason Robertson had a goal (his 22nd) and assist, Wyatt Johnson scored his 23rd goal of the season  and long time rival Joe Pavelski added an empty net goal and his 23rd goal of the season as well.   Dallas extended their winning streak to a season high five games and are leading their division with goalie Scott Wedgewood earning the victory.  They have a well balanced scoring attack and are a dangerous team.  The Kings remained in third place, tied with Vegas. As the season winds down, it’s important to get momentum for the playoffs and the best seeding to hopefully get home ice advantage.  It is going to be tough no matter what.

More at www.nhl.com/kings