This was quite the odd game. While the Los Angeles Kings handily won the corsi and overall shot battle, the Vancouver Canucks made the most of their little zone time with three goals and out-chancing LA at even strength.
This game makes more sense if you look at through 5v5 scoring chances. (Also shown: 5v5 CF for comparison) #VANvsLAK https://t.co/uewakKYmEI pic.twitter.com/vMLw9QqWlm
— hockeystats.ca (@HockeyStatsCa) October 23, 2016
I mean, you look at their roster and you say to yourself, “HOW?!” The answer to which, is: ¯_(ツ)_/¯ It’s one of the great mysteries of hockey.
On the bright side, despite the game going to a shootout, the Kings snapped the Canucks’ winning streak and Dustin Brown was great all night.
Dustin Brown had a three-point night. Him playing a big role in ruining something for the Canucks still feels right.
— THX BUD (@thxbud) October 23, 2016
Other notables: Peter Budaj, in his 300th NHL game, wasn’t overly terrible and managed not to give up a goal in the shootout; Kyle Clifford fought somebody; Tanner Pearson remained red hot; and Jim Fox lovingly described the way Jeff Carter skates.
“His graceful stride often makes it appear like he’s not skating.” – Jim Fox describing Jeff Carter like this is NatGeo
— THX BUD (@thxbud) October 23, 2016
The Kings raced out to an early 3-0 lead in the first period and barely held off the surging Canucks in the second period. They nearly escaped with a regulation win over a lesser, once-rival. Except, with the goalie pulled and trying to kill a penalty, Alexander Edler sent this game into overtime.
The LA Kings never lose their flair for the dramatic.
— THX BUD (@thxbud) October 23, 2016
The power play was only ok. Pearson scored a goal on the first of LA’s three opportunities but otherwise, it was a little discombobulated at times. The penalty kill was pretty bad, allowing two goals on six chances. However, Brown (with the help of Jacob Markstrom) was credited with a shorthanded goal. He certainly earned it with his hustle and persistence, especially at the goal mouth.
Dustin Brown goal pic.twitter.com/Fb4KC5MjaV
— Stephanie (@myregularface) October 23, 2016
Wherever this new Dustin Brown came from, hopefully he stays because he’s been an absolute wrecking ball and very reminiscent of 2012 when he was a force to be reckoned with during the first round series against Vancouver.
Both Jake Muzzin and Brayden McNabb had somewhat rough nights. McNabb got the scoring started for LA with a beautiful bar down shot, but then he had two delay of game penalties, the second of which resulted in the game-tying goal with 35 seconds left in regulation. Muzzin looked slow to react at times, especially on the first goal when he missed Markus Granlund.
Muzzin’s frequent partner, Drew Doughty on the other hand, had himself a night. He shockingly managed not to lose his cool and even did well to stick check Jannik Hansen without taking a penalty. And he was voted a star of the night.
It’s clear that even as things get better, there’s still quite a few things the Kings have to work on – like their penalty kill and their lack of discipline. Buckle up Kings fans, because without better and much more consistent goaltending, it’s going to be a wild ride until Jonathan Quick returns. (And even then, that’s no guarantee.)