BREAKING: Adrian Kempe scored a dramatic goal at 3:58 of overtime, leading the Los Angeles Kings to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. This victory marks the Kings’ fifth consecutive game with points as they continue to surge in the standings.
The pivotal moment unfolded when Quinton Byfield’s 2-on-1 opportunity in overtime resulted in chaotic action, ultimately leaving a gaping net for Kempe to capitalize on. Following a review for potential goaltender interference, the goal was upheld, securing Kempe’s eighth goal of the season.
The Kings, currently boasting a record of 2-0-3 in their last five games, saw Anze Kopitar also score, while goaltender Anton Forsberg made 19 saves. Meanwhile, Evander Kane found the net for Vancouver, but Kevin Lankinen, who returned to the lineup, faced 21 saves in a losing effort.
The first period was rife with tension, featuring three potential goals subject to video review. Both teams saw one goal disallowed due to offsides challenges before Kopitar finally broke the deadlock with just 2:41 left in the period, scoring his fifth goal of the season with a wrist shot from the slot.
Kane equalized early in the second period, racing out of the penalty box to score on a breakaway, marking his fifth goal of the season. The Canucks were without forward Conor Garland, sidelined due to an upper-body injury, while Lankinen returned after missing the first two games of the road trip for personal reasons.
With this victory, the Kings are set to face the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night, while the Canucks are grappling with a troubling trend, having lost five of their last six games.
Stay tuned for further updates as both teams navigate their upcoming challenges.