clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

RECAP: Kings 5, Oilers 2

Third period power play goal from Paul LaDue propels Kings to victory

By Jeff Chapman
Edmonton Oilers v Los Angeles Kings

The Kings took a 1-0 lead to the dressing room after one period of play. They would score another goal early on in the second period to make it 2-0, and it started to look like the lights were getting dim. That’s before Leon Draisaitl burst through like the Kool-Aid Man for a power play goal a couple of minutes later. Connor McDavid would tie things up midway through the second period. The Oilers had a 2-2 tie with the Kings after 40 minutes of play. They need every point between now and the end of the season if they’re going to make a run at the playoffs. Can they take two from LA tonight?

In short, no. It would take until the fifteen minute mark of the final period before Paul LaDue would score the One That Mattered. You’ll be very surprised to know that LaDue’s goal came while the Oilers were shorthanded.

LaDue’s goal would put the Kings up 3-2, and that’s all they’d need en route to the victory. Because everyone else likes adding insult to injury, the Kings would get two more late goals in from Alex Iafallo and Anze Kopitar. The Kings take two points at home. The Oilers fail to gain any ground in the Pacific Division, and are now thirteen points out of a Wild Card position.

  • Though his club picked up the win, Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper’s shutout streak came to a halt. Connor McDavid had a goal and an assist in tonight’s loss. Here he is getting up after crashing into Jujhar Khaira before going wide on Drew Doughty. I’ve run out of superlatives to hitch up to the 21-year old superstar, the kid’s a freak. McDavid had a goal and an assist tonight, he’s currently third in the league with 63. If you’re keeping score at home, that’s three behind the league leader Nikita Kucherov.
  • Leon Draisaitl scored a power play goal to get the Oilers on the board. Draisaitl’s 14th of the year helps lift up a power play that had some success on Monday against the Lightning, but still remains at 30th in the league.
  • COMING UP: It doesn’t get any easier for the Oilers, and it happens very precipitously. Oilers are in Anaheim tomorrow night, followed up by San Jose on Saturday. Oilers must take a couple of wins from California if they’re going to make any attempt at a playoff run.