In Los Angeles, the Seattle Kraken dominated the Kings on Monday in a 6-1 win that kept LA from advancing in the Western Conference race.
“It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing,” the Kings’ Anze Kopitar said. “It was a lot of stuff that, obviously, didn’t go right and we didn’t do right. So this one definitely stings, especially the time and position we’re in. It’s a hard one to swallow, but at the same time, we’re leaving for three very important games on the road, so we’ll address this one, I’m sure, look at some stuff tomorrow and put it behind us and get ready for the next one.”
LA dropped to 36-23-9.
“We have a tough task on hand,” Kings coach Todd McLellan said. “It’s not about my memories or what I liked or didn’t like there. It’s about fixing what we did wrong today and playing better there because we’re going to have to.”
The Kings face the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday, LA holds a two point advantage on Edmonton, the Oilers won Monday.
Chris Driedger made 36 saves in the Seattle win.
“You know, we just looked like a complete hockey team out there tonight,” Driedger said. “It’s great to see those guys come together. Tons of communication, tons of energy and seems like we were just sick of losing.”
Arthur Kaliyev was the lone goal scorer for LA, his marker tied the game, 1-1, after Alex Wennberg scored just 14 seconds gone in the game to give the Kraken a 1-0 lead.
Adam Larsson restored the lead with a goal just ahead of the midway point of the first period.
“We didn’t let them set up in their structure as much tonight,” Seattle’s Yanni Gourde said. “Last game, I felt like they were in their structure and where they wanted us. We went north, went up ice, and it kind of helped us. Everybody was on the same page and we looked much faster.”
The Kraken’s Victor Rask scored in the middle frame for a 3-1 lead.
The third period was all Seattle as they struck for three goals.
Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann scored 29 seconds apart for a 5-1 lead for Seattle.
“Well, we weren’t good from minute one on,” McLellan said. “We were chasing it, so there was doubt right away. But where was the dagger? Probably the blocked shot that went [the other way], Eberle’s goal. Had a little bit of momentum.”
Daniel Sprong added a marker late for the 6-1 final.
Cal Petersen made 32 saves in the dismal loss.
“It’s a bump in the road,” Kopitar said. “There’s, what, 15 games left, and we still like the position that we’re in. So like I said, we’ll address this one, look at some stuff, correct stuff, for sure, but get ready for the next one.”
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