Kings Show Resilience in Gritty OT Loss to Hurricanes, Cap Off Road Trip with Strong Finish
The Los Angeles Kings walked into Raleigh on Sunday afternoon with heavy legs and a short bench, but they didn’t walk out quietly. Down two goals in the third period, missing a key piece on the blue line, and wrapping up a grueling back-to-back on the East Coast, the Kings dug deep and nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback before falling 3-2 in overtime to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just another game on the schedule. It was the final stop on a five-game road trip that spanned cities, time zones, and challenges. And while the Kings didn’t grab the full two points, they left PNC Arena with one-and a clear message that this team has some serious fight in it.
Third-Period Push Shows Kings’ Character
Carolina built what looked like a comfortable 2-0 lead early in the third, but the Kings weren’t ready to board the plane home just yet. In the span of five minutes, Sammy Helenius and Quinton Byfield lit the lamp, tying things up and flipping the momentum squarely in L.A.’s favor.
It was a textbook example of resilience. On the second night of a back-to-back, with fatigue setting in and the Hurricanes pressing, the Kings found another gear. That kind of response, especially at the tail end of a long road swing, speaks volumes about the locker room culture and the leadership behind the bench.
Forsberg Stands Tall Again
Anton Forsberg once again gave the Kings a chance to win. He turned in another strong performance between the pipes, keeping Carolina at bay long enough for the offense to find its footing. Head coach Jim Hiller had nothing but praise for his netminder postgame.
“He’s been good now for... I can’t remember the last time he wasn’t,” Hiller said. “Especially at the tail end of a road trip, you need somebody to step up-whether that’s a player or a goaltender-and we got that out of him.”
Forsberg’s consistency has become a quiet backbone for this team. He’s not just making saves-he’s making timely ones, the kind that keep momentum within reach.
Blue Line Steps Up After Anderson Injury
The Kings were forced to roll with just five defensemen after Mikey Anderson left the game with an injury. No update was available postgame, but the remaining group rose to the challenge.
Drew Doughty shouldered the heaviest load, but this was a full-unit effort. From top to bottom, the Kings’ D-core battled, blocked shots, and played with urgency.
“They were all really competitive,” Hiller said. “They did what they had to do.”
It’s not easy to patch holes mid-game, especially against a team like Carolina that thrives on pace and pressure. But the Kings’ blue line didn’t flinch.
Fourth Line Delivers in the Clutch
There’s something to be said about the timing of contributions, and the Kings’ fourth line delivered exactly when it was needed. With the team sagging and the Hurricanes pressing for a third goal, that line came out and flipped the energy.
“They go out there and give us life again,” Hiller said. “I can’t say enough about those guys right now.”
Depth scoring and energy shifts like that are what separate playoff-caliber teams from the rest of the pack. On this trip, the Kings’ bottom six proved they can be more than just placeholders-they can be difference-makers.
Perry Brings Veteran Presence
Corey Perry’s fingerprints were all over this one. After Anderson’s injury, Perry stepped up in a big way-physically, emotionally, and tactically. He’s not just a presence on the ice; he’s a compass for this team when things get chaotic.
“He just knows the game,” Hiller said. “He knows how to be a teammate, he knows how to score goals, he knows what’s right and what’s needed in the moment.”
There was some frustration late, and Perry did pick up an extra minor, but that edge is part of what makes him effective. He walks the line, and more often than not, he walks it well.
Road Trip Recap: Mission Accomplished
The Kings finish their five-game road trip with a 3-1-1 record-seven out of a possible 10 points. That’s a strong showing, especially considering the adversity they faced along the way, including tough back-to-backs and injuries to key players.
Yes, they would’ve liked a better result in Buffalo. And yes, they came up just short in overtime against Carolina.
But this trip was about more than just the standings. It was a litmus test for the team’s depth, chemistry, and mental toughness.
“Back-to-backs to me are such a great measure of character,” Hiller said. “Although it wasn’t pretty the whole time, we were there to fight. We fought for every inch.”
That’s the kind of identity the Kings can build on. With the road trip in the rearview mirror, they’ll head back to L.A. with momentum, a hard-earned point, and a clearer picture of what this group is capable of when the pressure’s on.
And if Sunday was any indication, the Kings aren’t just surviving-they’re starting to turn a corner.