Kings Shut Down Rangers in 3-1 Victory

The New York Rangers (34-32-6) traveled to Los Angeles to face the Kings (40-21-9) in a compelling matchup. Darcy Kuemper and Igor Shesterkin were the expected starters in net. The Kings were without forward Alex Turcotte due to an upper-body injury, however listed as day-to-day. Kuemper boasted an impressive 15-1-2 record at home with a stellar .934 save percentage as the Kings looked to build on their recent back-to-back 7-2 victories. Ranking among the NHL's best defensively, the Rangers had recorded 8 shutouts (tied for the most in the league) and had been dangerous on the penalty kill, scoring 14 shorthanded goals.

Kings and Rangers Battle

The opening five minutes saw both the Kings and Rangers begin with a somewhat sluggish pace. However, in the final five minutes of the first period, the Kings appeared to find their footing, outshooting the Rangers 5-2. Despite no goals, both goaltenders remained sharp and laser-focused. 

Kings and Rangers Seek the Opening Goal in Period Two

A late first-period goal at 17:50 saw J.T. Miller unleash a wrist shot that gave the Rangers a 1-0 advantage, his eighteenth of the year. The Kings were immediately scrambling to find an equalizer. At 9:06 of the second period, Kevin Fiala's goal, assisted by Andrei Kuzmenko and Anže Kopitar, finally tied the game 1-1 after the Kings' persistent efforts. The period also saw a quick fight at 4:27 when Matt Rempe challenged Tanner Jeannot, with Jeannot taking him down swiftly and both receiving five-minute majors. Just before the period ended, at 2:12, Phillip Danault scored with a wrist shot on Shesterkin, putting the Kings ahead 2-1 as the buzzer sounded soon after.

Bringing That W Home (Again)

Having taken the 2-1 lead, the Kings intensified their pressure. Their game had shifted to a faster, more gritty style. With the game unfolding at a rapid pace, Vladislav Gavrikov had proven to be a standout for the Kings. His agility and consistent efficiency made him a reliable presence on the ice. Quinton Byfield was another player to watch, as he had reached the same mark as Artemi Panarin for the most goals in the NHL during March, both with eight. In the final 16 seconds, Fiala scored his second of the game, burying a backhand shot. The game concluded with the final buzzer, sealing a 3-1 win for the Kings, who celebrated their fourth consecutive victory.