Sean Walker and Dustin Brown scored 51 seconds apart in the second period, and Cal Petersen made 41 saves as the Los Angeles Kings snapped the Vegas Golden Knights’ five-game win streak with a 3-1 victory on Sunday.
Petersen came close to his second career shutout as Los Angeles rebounded from Friday’s 4-2 loss to the Knights at Staples Center with a solid all-around effort. The Kings now head out for a four-game road trip.
“This is huge for our confidence, proving we can play at this level and beat top teams,” Petersen said. “I think this was one of our most complete games of the season, and it shows what we’re capable of.”
Despite eight losses in their last 12 games, the Kings are in fifth place in the West Division, hoping to build momentum after this key win. Los Angeles came out with more focus after a slow start in the series’ first game.
“It felt different on the bench tonight,” said Kings coach Todd McLellan. “We played a strong 40 minutes and knew their push was coming. They’re a top team for a reason, but I thought we responded well.”
Tomas Nosek scored late for the Golden Knights, spoiling Petersen’s shutout bid with just over three minutes remaining. However, Jeff Carter quickly answered with a breakaway goal less than a minute later to secure Los Angeles’ first victory over Vegas this season.
“The start was much better, especially for an afternoon game,” said Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who contributed two assists. “We got the first goal, kept the momentum, and extended the lead.”
Marc-Andre Fleury made 28 saves for Vegas, which lost for just the third time in 14 games.
After a scoreless first period, Walker opened the scoring with his first goal of the season, pushing the puck past Fleury during a scramble in front of the net. Vegas unsuccessfully challenged the goal for goalie interference, resulting in a power play for Los Angeles. Brown capitalized on his 14th goal moments later.
“That second period was rough for us, including the coaching,” Vegas coach Pete DeBoer said. “We made a poor challenge, which cost us. The Kings won many battles in the second, but we still had a chance in the third.”
Vegas had a two-man advantage for 91 seconds early in the third period, but the Kings’ penalty kill stood strong. Nosek eventually cut the deficit to 2-1 with a hard shot that Petersen partially stopped but couldn’t hold. Carter sealed the win with a breakaway goal set up by Andreas Athanasiou.
The Kings lost defenseman Olli Maatta to an upper-body injury in the first period.
PACIORETTY OUT
Vegas was without second-leading scorer Max Pacioretty, who missed the game with a lower-body injury.
“We’re missing 16 goals from our lineup,” said leading scorer Mark Stone. “Injuries are part of this condensed schedule, and guys will miss games. Others need to step up; it can’t just be one or two players every night.”
ROY’S NEW DEAL
Kings defenseman Matt Roy signed a three-year, $9.45 million contract extension before the game. The former seventh-round pick has earned a regular spot in Los Angeles’ lineup, contributing seven assists in 25 games this season.
“He’s earned every bit of it,” McLellan said. “We have full confidence in him, and with this extension comes more responsibility.”
UP NEXT
- Golden Knights: Host the St. Louis Blues on Monday.
- Kings: Visit the San Jose Sharks on Monday.
