LOS ANGELES — Pick your poison: a shorthanded goal, poor goaltending, power-play woes or defensive miscues.
The LA Kings’ 4-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday featured all of these negatives, despite the Kings’ quick start, in which they scored twice in the first period.
Warren Foegele and Kevin Fiala scored to give LA its 2-0 advantage before the Kings proceeded to allow four unanswered goals to Pittsburgh across the next two periods. The Kings played without injured captain Anže Kopitar, allowing Phillip Danault to center the first line instead.
The Kings conceded a shorthanded goal in the third period despite featuring two defensemen and defensively sound Danault on the ice during the power play, showcasing the team’s disorganized play.
LA has now conceded 24 penalties and has only scored on 20% (3/15) of its power plays. The Kings are 1-3-1 through five games.
Talk of Troy reporter Kasey Kazliner shared his insights on Skate of Thrones, TOT’s Kings podcast. The Kings will be back in action on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes.