Kings Nearly Blow Four-Goal Lead, But Byfield Saves The Night

After trailing 1-0 in the opening period, the Los Angeles Kings (4-6-2) scored five unanswered goals in the first and second periods, taking a 5-1 lead after 40 minutes. 

Despite holding a 5-1 lead heading into the third period, they did the same thing, allowing the Ottawa Senators to score four unanswered goals in the final period; the game went to overtime. However, the Kings survived in OT when Quinton Byfield drilled the game-winner and held off any comeback attempt by the road team. 

After a five-game road trip, the Kings played well in their first home game back in a week and a half. Turns out, coming home was all the silver and black needed to regain their confidence, as they outshot the visitors 38-22 and scored six goals for the second time in four days. 

Artemi Panarin scored his eighth goal of the season, leading the team in goals, while Drew Doughty finished with three assists and three points. Several players stepped up offensively tonight, including Trevor Moore, Joel Armia, Eric Haula, and Mikey Anderson, helping the Kings win 6-5 on Thursday night. 

Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators struggled early, generating just one shot in the second period and falling behind 5-1. The Kings had an impressive night, bouncing back from Tuesday's loss after scoring just one goal; tonight, they played more physically and faster on both ends of the ice. 

However, the magic didn't last long for the home team. The road team never quit and made its run in the final period, scoring four unanswered goals, led by two goals from Dylan Cozens and help from his two starters, to tie the score 5-5 and scare the Kings. 

With just a minute remaining, the pressure shifted to the Kings, who were outscored 4-0, allowing the road team to send the game to overtime after holding a 5-1 lead at the end of the second period. 

The momentum looked to be on the Senators' side after a disastrous third period for the Kings, heading into overtime. However, clutch saves from Darcy Kuemper, who finished with 18 saves on 23 shots, came late in overtime. 

As ugly as the headlines would've been if the Kings had blown this game, especially after leading 5-1 at the start of the third period, Quinton Byfield wins it for the Kings, who survive to begin their seven-game homestand. 

Not a good sign after what looked like a comfortable win for the Kings; they only had to defend and keep playing the way they were for 20 minutes, but the defensive breakdowns and easing off the gas nearly troubled them. 

Los Angeles will continue its seven-game homestand at 1:00 PM on Halloween this Saturday against the Buffalo Sabers, looking to build on tonight's offensive success. 

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