The Kings looked to build on a two-game winning streak they built with impressive wins over the Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets as they faced the defending Stanley Cup champions St. Louis Blues.
The action favored the Kings early with goals from Jeff Carter and Alex Iafallo as they raced to a 2-1 lead with their almost-ready-to-be-patented shot driven offensive attack. But then Kyle Clifford was whistled for interference which led to this exchange with Jordan Binnington:
#LAKvsSTL #stlblues #GoKingsGo #LAKings pic.twitter.com/0OcMVgile1
— Eric (@Kingsgifs) October 25, 2019
From that point until the end of the game the Blues instantly turned on a switch, powered by four unanswered goals (Alex Pietrangelo, Robert Thomas, and two from former King Brayden Schenn).
What did we learn tonight?
- The Kings penalty kill continues to disappoint. Coming into the game they had killed 16 of 17 penalties but gave up three power play goals and only killed off one. That’s 11 power play goals in 10 games. The Kings also gave up three power play goals to the Vegas Golden Knights on the last homestand, also losing 5-2.
- Drew Doughty needs to stay out of the crease on penalty kills. Look closely at the first two goals the Kings gave up and you’ll see him impeding Jonathan Quick both times. Not a great look from our Norris Trophy guy.
- Blame Quick? You can’t say that tonight. If not for Quick, that would have easily been an six- or seven-goal margin of victory for the Blues.
- Adrian Kempe does not belong on the power play. Sloppy passing, out of control, and zero production is no way to go through life, son.
- Austin Wagner (fighting major this game and defending Doughty against Matthew Tkachuk as the third man in the last Calgary game) is trying a go at it as a skilled tough guy the Kings sorely need. Most of us aren’t buying it though. Expect him to sit out a few games moving forward.
- Todd McLellan isn’t looking for a top five draft pick just yet:/
“It was the physicality in small areas that we just weren’t very good in. I expect our guys to be better”
Coach Todd McLellan shares his thoughts on tonight’s loss@CarrlynBathe | @LAKings pic.twitter.com/KutdHaI9FE
— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) October 25, 2019
First Period
Kings 1. Blues 0.
Kings 1. Blues 1.
Second Period
Kings 2. Blues 1.
No Goal!
No goal. Thomas hits the posts: https://t.co/tGFaa4b6Og#LAKvsSTL #stlblues #GoKingsGo #LAKings pic.twitter.com/kab3biPiKJ
— Eric (@Kingsgifs) October 25, 2019
Kings 2. Blues 2.
Blues 3. Kings 2.
Third Period
Blues 4. Kings 2.
Blues 5. Kings 2.
Quotables:
“We weren’t sharp enough on the walls, making plays and getting out of our zone”@trevorlewis22 reflects on what made it difficult to capitalize tonight@CarrlynBathe | @LAKings pic.twitter.com/EdZAiE2bmV
— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) October 25, 2019