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The Los Angeles Kings (36-21-9) landed in Minnesota (38-25-5) yesterday to take on the Wild. The Kings have been excellent, securing back-to-back wins with shutouts. With the playoffs so close, securing every single two points is crucial. In tonight’s goalie lineup, Darcy Kuemper led his team out while Filip Gustavsson stood in net. It’s a series of questions surrounding tonight’s game: Can Kuemper secure his third shutout, and can the Kings maintain their momentum? Is tonight the night Andrei Kuzmenko gets his first goal as a King?

Kempe Scores to Make It 1-0

With puck drop underway, it was a clash between the Wild and the Kings as they fought for possession of the puck. After five minutes of play, Adrian Kempe had lit the lamp to open the scoring, giving the Kings a 1-0 advantage. Brendan Gaunce and Jon Merrill were denied by a series of incredible saves from Kuemper. Throughout the first period, the team’s balance and harmony resulted in strategic plays. Los Angeles showcased their active strength and quick speed throughout this period, and we looked forward to the second.

Wild Ties It Up

After twenty minutes of play, the Kings returned for the second frame and the Wild were quick to tie it up with a tip-in from Ryan Hartman. The Kings were determined to level the score and regain the lead. A too many men penalty was called on the Minnesota Wild at the 14:40 mark, giving LA a power play chance to score. Unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, and marked by plenty of back-and-forth action, both the Kings and the Wild entered the second intermission tied at 1-1.

Minnesota Leads 2-1

The third period saw the Kings and Wild back on the ice, though the Kings displayed less physicality and energy. At the 4:38 point, Mats Zuccarello scored with a wrist shot, putting the Wild ahead 2-1. In the final moments, the Kings pulled their goaltender, hoping for a chance to tie the game before the regulation buzzer. With just 56 seconds remaining in regulation, the Wild secured the victory as Marcus Johansson scored the game-winning goal, making the final tally, 3-1. While Los Angeles outshot Minnesota 29-22, the Kings’ single goal highlights a need for improved consistent scoring. Changes are necessary. The Kings left the Wild’s home ice without any points and headed to their next destination in Chicago.