The LA Kings wrapped up their two-game homestand with a tough 0-1-1 record, capped by a 4-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Kings started strong, lighting the lamp first on the power play. Artemi Panarin, continuing his hot streak, netted his second power-play goal in as many games.
It was a well-orchestrated play with Adrian Kempe feeding Anze Kopitar, who displayed great vision and poise. Kopitar found Panarin in the left circle, and Panarin made no mistake, giving the Kings an early 1-0 advantage.
Buffalo didn’t take long to respond. Early in the second period, Tage Thompson leveled the score.
The Sabres maintained pressure in the offensive zone after Jeff Malott lost control along the boards. Anton Forsberg stopped the initial shot from Peyton Krebs, but Thompson was there to scoop up the rebound.
With a slick move around Forsberg, Thompson tucked in his 36th goal of the season, tying it up at 1-1.
The game tilted in Buffalo's favor midway through the third period. Sam Carrick netted the go-ahead goal in a tense moment.
The Kings challenged the play, believing Zach Benson had used a high stick during the zone entry. However, after a video review, the goal stood.
Carrick capitalized on a 2-on-1, backhanding the puck past Forsberg for a 2-1 lead.
Following the unsuccessful challenge, the Sabres capitalized on a power play to extend their lead. In a bit of a fluke, Cody Ceci tried to clear the puck from the slot, only to see it deflect off a stick and slip between Forsberg’s pads, making it 3-1.
Josh Norris sealed the deal for Buffalo with an empty-netter, cementing the 4-1 victory and leaving the Kings with some regrouping to do as they look ahead to their next matchup.