Predators at Kings: This Sure Was A Game That Happened

Predators: 2, Kings: 1

The last time the LA Kings and Nashville Predators played, it was a surprising rush with 13 total goals scored. The Kings lost in overtime, but a late comeback in regulation made it impossible to feel too down about that. That game was fun as heck!

Saturday’s game at Staples Center was back to the snoozers we’re all used to seeing.

The Kings led 1–0 through two periods thanks to a great first period power play goal by Jeff Carter.

LA started out the game strong, but then became turnover machines and couldn’t generate very many quality scoring chances. They managed to keep pace in shots on goal, but the shots just weren’t all that dangerous.

Eventually the Kings got burned on the penalty kill. It was only their second goal allowed in the last 41 kills, a turnaround from the middle of the season where poor kills were losing them games. Still, tie game. Bad luck bit them again a minute later when Jake Muzzin’s attempt to prevent Viktor Stalberg’s pass actually tipped it in.

Nashville generated several great scoring chances in this game. That was not really one of them. Oh, well.

It was a fluke-y goal against that lost the Kings a game they probably didn’t really deserve to win anyway. Being knocked back out of the playoff picture made this sting for some fans, but LA will probably jump back and forth throughout the rest of the season. Not worth dwelling on.