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Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 19 saves for his third shutout of the season and 39th of his career, leading the Kings to a 4-0 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night. Trevor Moore had a goal and an assist for the Kings, while Scott Laughton, Artemi Panarin and Quinton Byfield also scored. The win moved the Kings within one point of the Nashville Predators for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoff race.

Why it matters

Kuemper’s stellar performance in net was crucial for the Kings as they continue to battle for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. The shutout was Kuemper’s third of the season and 39th of his career, underscoring his status as one of the league’s top goaltenders. The Kings’ victory also has significant implications for the playoff race, as they now sit just one point behind the Predators for the final wild-card berth.

The details

Kuemper made several key saves, including a highlight-reel stop in the first period where he kicked out his right leg to deny Teddy Blueger’s blast from the slot. The Kings opened the scoring with a power-play goal from Scott Laughton in the first period, and Artemi Panarin, Trevor Moore, and Quinton Byfield (with an empty-netter) also found the back of the net for Los Angeles. Kevin Lankinen made 34 saves in the losing effort for the Canucks, who have now been shut out five times this season, with four of those coming at home.

Laughton’s power-play goal came 17:34 into the first period.Byfield’s empty-net goal came with 2:24 left in the game.

The players

Darcy Kuemper

The Los Angeles Kings’ starting goaltender, who recorded his third shutout of the season and 39th of his career.

Trevor Moore

A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who had a goal and an assist in the game.

Scott Laughton

A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who scored the opening goal on the power play.

Artemi Panarin

A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who scored a goal in the game.

Quinton Byfield

A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who scored an empty-net goal to seal the victory.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Kings will host the Utah team on Saturday as they continue their push for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

Kuemper’s dominant performance in net, combined with timely scoring from the Kings’ offense, was crucial in securing this important victory for Los Angeles as they look to solidify their position in the Western Conference playoff race.