Adrian Kempe scores twice as Kings move back into playoff spot
Adrian Kempe had two goals, and the Kings moved into a playoff spot with a 4-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena
Joel Armia and Trevor Moore also scored, Anton Forsberg made 24 saves, and the Kings’ third straight win put them one point ahead of the Nashville Predators for the second Western Conference wild card with a game in hand.
The Kings came into the night already controlling its path to the postseason, and Nashville’s 4-1 loss at Utah on Thursday created breathing room.
Marcus Pettersson scored and Nikita Tolopilo made 22 saves for the Canucks, who have lost 10 of their last 11 games.
The Kings started strong for the second consecutive game, with Kempe opening the scoring after 1:29 by getting to the slot and burying Brandt Clarke’s centering pass. After Pettersson tied it late in the first, Armia needed just 1:31 to put the Kings back up.
Kempe netted his second goal with 28.2 seconds left in the middle period by redirecting Joel Edmundson’s slap shot for a 3-1 lead. Kempe has been the main offensive catalyst during the Kings’ five-game point streak, collecting seven goals and two assists in that span with three multigoal efforts.
The switch to Forsberg in net is also paying dividends, as he has won three straight starts while allowing four goals total.
The Kings had played four straight games decided in overtime or a shootout, setting an NHL single-season record for games going past regulation along the way, but Moore ensured there would be no chance of extra hockey with his goal midway through the third period.
Up next for the Kings: vs. Edmonton at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.