The Los Angeles Kings secured a 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets at Cryptocom Arena this Saturday. This win came after breaking a four-game points streak with a loss to Vancouver. Interestingly, the Kings have continuously avoided back-to-back losses since a three-game winless run concluded on October 16.
Alex Laferriere, Trevor Moore, Warren Foegele, and former Blue Jacket Vladislav Gavrikov each scored for the Kings, with Brandt Clarke finishing it off with an open-netter. Foegele and Samuel Helenius, who was playing his first NHL game, also provided assists. Meanwhile, goaltender David Rittich successfully blocked 24 shots.
On the other side, Dmitri Voronkov and Ivan Provorov managed to score for Columbus, both times with a primary assist from Justin Danforth. Columbus goalie Elvis Merzikins made 18 out of 22 saves. Despite their efforts, the visitors struggled to keep pace.
As the game progressed, the Kings further tightened their hold, with Helenius setting up a rebound goal for Foegele. This marked a critical shift in the game’s momentum. A power-play goal by Clarke in the closing seconds of the game all but secured the home team’s victory.
Despite a shaky start characterized by tough defense by Columbus and a few turnovers, the Kings dominated the second period, scoring two goals in under two minutes. Gavrikov also contributed with his season’s second goal, capitalizing on a change in puck direction caused by Columbus center Sean Monahan.