The Los Angeles Kings have pulled off quite the feat, extending their home winning streak to nine games with their latest match against the Tampa Bay Lightning ending 2-1. While the win was far from dominant, it exemplified the Kings' ability to grind out victories even when they’re outplayed. This was also the Kings' fourth victory in succession, showcasing their growing momentum as the season progresses.
Head coach Jim Hiller’s decision to stick with 11 forwards and seven defensemen seemed to baffle many, especially with the injury situation easing slightly. The return of Trevor Moore and Trevor Lewis, who celebrated his 1,000th NHL game, added depth to the lineup. "That’s kind of the perfect way my 1000th game should have gone just to be out there and grind out a win," Lewis remarked post-game. "I couldn’t ask to do it with a better organization and a better bunch of guys. […] to do it in a Kings sweater is very special."
Despite dominating most of the game, particularly through puck possession, the Lightning were unable to keep the lead as the Kings capitalized late. For much of the match, it appeared as if Tampa Bay was destined to blow the game open. The Kings, hounded and out-chanced, hung tight throughout until they found their footing. With the game knotted at 1-1, the third period became the transformative stage for the Kings as they suddenly found their scoring touch.
“Felt a little out of sorts for us kind of for the first two but guys beared down, found a way to come out and get one in the third, and then shut it down, so very happy with the result, giving it wasn’t necessarily our best effort,” noted defenseman Mikey Anderson.
The Kings were not just lucky; their defensive prowess stood out, showcasing their growth. Breaking up plays and limiting the Lightning's high-danger chances became their rallying call, especially during moments when Tampa Bay threatened to score. With standout performances, Anderson, Vladislav Gavrikov, and Joel Edmundson exemplified what it means to ‘grind out’ tough games. Anderson didn’t just play defensively; he scored the equalizer early on, affirming why he’s regarded as one of the Kings' top defensemen.
But the victory also highlighted the brilliance of goalie Darcy Kuemper, who exhibited the form needed to carry the Kings through challenging matches. The former Arizona Coyotes star has found his rhythm since returning from injury, proving instrumental to the Kings’ recent success. He saved 33 of 34 shots against Tampa Bay, with his only blemish coming from Anderson’s own deflected shot. Kuemper’s positional awareness and rebound management had fans and analysts alike raising their eyebrows at his all-round performance.
“Since his latest injury, Kuemper has yet to lose a game in regulation. He has gone 7-0-2, recorded one shutout, hasn’t let in more than three goals, and is currently riding a three-game win streak,” reported analysts. Kuemper's consistency between the posts has silenced any doubts over the Kings' playoff viability, with fans now optimistic about his performance as the season continues.
The momentous week didn't just stop with the win against the Lightning. The Kings have also faced off against the New Jersey Devils, bringing their total goals against across the week to just one. Anderson shone brightly, leading the Kings with three points over the two games. Adrian Kempe, with goals across both matches, reaffirmed his status as the leading scorer with 19 goals this season. Meanwhile, veteran Anze Kopitar remained central to the team’s offensive efforts, continuing as the leading point-getter with 39 points so far.
On the power play front, the Kings struggled, going 0-for-4 against elite opposition. Despite this setback, they noticeably improved on the penalty kill, shutting down two of the NHL’s top power plays (8-for-8), jumping four spots to 8th place overall.
Looking forward, the Kings face the Calgary Flames at home next week, aiming to push their winning streak to ten. This tie would link them with the franchise record for home winning streaks. Breaking down the Flames, they’ve struggled against tired teams, making them prime targets for the Kings to exploit. The Kings' success heavily depends on getting pucks on net and taking advantage of the Flames’ struggling penalty-kill unit.
The Kings are not just thriving but are carving out their identity as they graph the season’s storyline. With their upcoming road games following the match against the Flames, they must maintain this level of performance to solidify their competitive standing within the league. They’ve set the stage well, especially against rivals and playoff-bound teams, with all eyes on how they will fair as the season progresses.