Sitting around and taking positives from a loss isn’t exactly where Kings fans hoped we’d be at any point in the season, but it’s where we’re at now.
This Kings loss felt more familiar. It was territory we’ve all trod on over the past few years. The Kings outshot the stars, outchanced them — limited them to just two shots on goal in the third period, and neither of those shots at 5v5 — and still couldn’t get the pucks to go their way.
The Kings Still Lost This Game
(stats at 5v5, all via @NatStatTrick) pic.twitter.com/P3clng1MRS
— Jewels from the Crown 💎👑 (@JFTC_Kings) October 24, 2018
This kind of losing, we know how to deal with.
Can the Kings improve upon what was already a vastly improved performance from the mess we saw against Buffalo and the Islanders? We’ll find out tomorrow.
Kings Things
Your “highlights”:
New JFTC contributor Matthew chimes in with our recap of the game. [JFTC]
Sean Walker impressed in his NHL debut, even collecting his first NHL point for sending this perfect stretch pass out to Tyler Toffoli:
Tyler Toffoli trims the lead to 3-2.
And the first career NHL assist for Sean Walker was an absolutely beautiful set up! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WKdN3n5jE1
— LA Kings (@LAKings) October 24, 2018
Post-game quotes from John Stevens, Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, and rookie Sean Walker. [Kings Insider]
For a recap from the opposition’s perspective. [Defending Big D]
From Dallas, Jim Montgomery’s 11 forward, lineup shuffling strategy worked against the Kings. [Dallas Stars]
Scott Maran gives us a deep dive into the Kings’ power play woes. [Jewels From The Crown]
The Spokane Chiefs welcome back Jaret Anderson-Dolan. [WHL]
And they promptly named Anderson-Dolan co-captain, alongside New Jersey Devils prospect Ty Smith. [WHL]
Elsewhere In The World
Sidney Crosby, still ridiculous:
UNBELIEVABLE. CROSBY IN OT. pic.twitter.com/dq15URr2aw
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) October 24, 2018
The Tampa Bay Lightning went 28 for 28 on the penalty kill until Chicago ruined everything. What kind of magic are they using down there? [Raw Charge]
Brian Burke talks about contract holdouts, being a GM under pressure, and on what people don’t know about Gary Bettman. [The Score]
The Minnesota Whitecaps’ Lee Stecklein and Amanda Boulier are one of the best defensive pairings in hockey. [The Ice Garden]
If Keith Kinkaid wants weird snacks during games, all he’s got to do is drop in on my beer league games, we’ll take care of him. [Sports Illustrated]
Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy has struggled so far this season to generate the offense he’s known for. (I think it’s because he had to shave off his beard.) [Lighthouse Hockey]
The NWHL has changed its playoff format to allow all five teams to participate. [The Ice Garden]
NHL goaltenders are still trying to adapt to the more streamlined chest protectors the league has required. [Sportsnet]
Let’s Check In On Justin Williams
These dad jokes should cheer up everyone who did not win the mega millions jackpot today pic.twitter.com/bXMVvSulIy
— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) October 24, 2018
Your Entertainment For Tonight
The Colorado Avalanche are tied for first in the league with 14 points. (Nashville’s there too.) They take on the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at 6:30 PM Pacific on NBCSN.