After a disappointing 1-2-1 homestand last week, the Los Angeles Kings were looking to bounce back on their 6-game road trip. So far, the team has done just that. A come-from-behind 3-2 win in Pittsburgh on Sunday, paired with perhaps their most impressive win of the season in Montreal, has vaulted the team into second place in the Pacific Division. Their 7-1-2 mark away from home is also the best road record in the Pacific.
The Kings’ stars have led the way these past two games, specifically Kevin Fiala. Fiala had a goal and an assist Sunday night in Pittsburgh, capped by an incredible go-ahead goal in the third period that proved the game-winner. He added another goal tonight against the Canadiens, for his team-leading eighth of the season.
LA straight-up dominated the Habs at 5 on 5. Their 3.06 expected goals (xG) more than doubled Montreal’s 1.29 xG at even strength. Star center Quinton Byfield led the team in xG tonight with 1.04 and tallied both a goal and an assist. His goal gave Los Angeles a 2-1 lead in the second and ended up as the game-winning marker.
The Kings complemented their strong 5-on-5 play with solid special teams, as their continuously improving penalty-kill successfully fended off all three Canadiens power-play opportunities. The 5-1 score was LA’s biggest margin of victory so far this season.
Goaltender Darcy Kuemper was phenomenal once again. The veteran netminder stopped 21-of-22 against Montreal, following a 31-save performance in Pittsburgh. His return to the crease two weeks ago has certainly strengthened the Kings’ backend and provided a boost to the team as a whole.
Another player currently providing a surprising boost is Corey Perry. Brought in to play fourth-line and depth minutes, Perry has totalled 11 points in as many games. While the point-per-game pace is likely unsustainable for the 40-year-old, his production has been crucial for LA to find its winning ways.
Despite the strong start to the road trip, four more games remain, with some against surging opponents like the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks, who have each won four in a row. LA will take their 8-5-4 record into Toronto on Thursday night, trying to make it three wins in a row.