Kings seeking to extend win streak in Philly
The Kings were back in the United States, preparing for another opportunity to rule the road in a matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers today, after sweeping the Canadian half of their four-game trip.
They have been fond of fresh bedsheets and tiny mints on their pillows, producing a flawless record across five away contests thus far. For the team with the Western Conference's best points percentage at home last season — and just one win in their building this year — the road has become something of a refuge.
“We have a little bit more of a swagger to win some games, get some points on the road, which is a good thing,” said Adrian Kempe, who has a goal and two assists on the trip so far. “It's just confidence, for sure. We feel like we're a pretty good road team and we can go into any building and get points.”
An unsuccessful lategame power play meant shifts for the Kings' top 10 offensive skaters with critical moments lying ahead. But the fourth line provided a reliable shift ahead of a final minute when the Kings fended off Ottawa's efforts, and the Kings won 3-2.
Coach Todd McLellan and center Phillip Danault concurred that a major part of the Kings' success has been their ability to deploy four lines comfortably behind a well-conditioned defense corps.
“Just rolling the lines.
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Today: Kings at Flyers, 4:30 p.m., BSW
We can trust everyone on the ice, whether it's defensively or offensively,” Danault said on the Bally Sports broadcast.
Much was made of the various storylines that involved the Kings and Senators entering the game.
Quinton Byfield picked up his third point in two games. Tim Stützle was held scoreless, though 2020's No. 3 pick has generally outshined its second selection. Cam Talbot won a matchup in which Joonas Korpisalo also played formidably with 35 saves in defeat against the goalie with whom he switched places this summer.
Winger Dominik Kubalik, whom the Kings drafted but ultimately were unable to sign, scored a goal for his third franchise since his departure from the organization.
In a juxtaposition of trade-deadline acquisitions, Jakob Chychrun had an assist for Ottawa, but not before Vladislav Gavrikov had directly prevented a score and preserved a onegoal lead when he negated Drake Batherson's powerplay shot attempt destined for an open net.
“Gavi is five-star, defensively, for sure, that's why we need him (in order) to win,” Danault said on the broadcast.
In Philadelphia, the Kings will see yet another old chum, defenseman Sean Walker, who played the first five seasons of his career in Los Angeles.