Washington Capitals defeat the LA Kings in a tough defensive battle- Dec. 2025

Capitals 3, Kings 1 — December 2 at Crypto.com Arena

In what is expected to be the final meeting between Anze Kopitar and Alex Ovechkin before Kopitar retires at the end of the season, Washington outlasted the Los Angeles Kings 3–1 in a tight, defense-first game at Crypto.com Arena.

1st Period — Capitals Strike First

The opening frame was structured and physical, with both teams limiting high-danger looks. Washington broke through when Tom Wilson buried his 16th goal of the year on the power play, tapping in a loose puck created off a shot from Ryan Leonard, with assists to Leonard and Ovechkin.

2nd Period — Kings Tie It

Los Angeles pushed back early in the second. The Kings drew even when Adrian Kempe scored on a 2-on-1 rush, receiving a crisp pass from Kopitar. That strike brought Kempe’s season total to 9 goals so far in 2025–26.

3rd Period — Washington Takes Control

Just over a minute into the third, Washington reclaimed the lead. Connor McMichael blocked a shot to kill a Kings power play, and as he exited the box he helped spring an odd-man rush. McMichael faked a shot, drew the goaltender, and fed Anthony Beauvillier, who tapped the puck in to make it 2–1. An empty-net goal by Aliaksei Protas sealed the game late.

Defense & Blocked Shots

Washington’s defense defined the night. According to the official scoreboard stats, the Capitals recorded over 20 blocked shots — roughly four times as many as the Kings. Combined with solid goaltending (Logan Thompson stopped 24 shots), the Caps’ defensive wall prevented Los Angeles from mounting sustained pressure in the third period.

Post-Game Note

After the final horn, the Capitals lined up to acknowledge Kopitar — a quiet but poignant moment between two franchise icons, marking what could be their last time facing each other.

For more info, schedule and updates, visit the Los Angeles Kings official website (www.LAKings.com).