Kings Keep Rolling with Statement Win Over Red Wings: Kuzmenko Shines, Defense Clamps Down
The Los Angeles Kings are starting to look like a team finding its rhythm at just the right time. On Tuesday night, they rolled into Little Caesars Arena and handed the Detroit Red Wings a 3-1 loss-one of LA’s most complete performances of the season.
It wasn’t just a win over one of the East’s top teams; it was a bit of payback, too. Earlier this season, the Kings dropped a controversial shootout loss to the Wings at home.
This time, they left no doubt.
This win marks the third in a row for Los Angeles and extends their point streak to six games. Quietly but steadily, Jim Hiller’s squad is climbing back into the thick of the Pacific Division race.
A Slow Start, Then a Surge
The opening period was more chess match than shootout. Both teams felt each other out, with the Kings generating some early chances but unable to finish. That changed in the second period, where LA finally broke through-and never looked back.
Sammy Helenius opened the scoring, getting the Kings on the board and giving them a much-needed spark. Not long after, Andrei Kuzmenko cashed in on the power play, delivering what would ultimately stand as the game-winner. It was a textbook tic-tac-toe sequence on the man advantage, and Kuzmenko finished it with authority.
“We entered pretty well. We had some time and space, we were more direct with the puck on the power play,” Hiller said postgame.
“That’s a high level of execution on Kuzy’s goal. We needed it.
Really, really good to see.”
Kuzmenko’s been clutch lately-this was his second game-winner in the last three outings. He’s starting to find his footing in LA, and it’s showing up on the scoreboard.
Lockdown Defense and a Dagger from Perry
With a 2-0 lead heading into the third, the Kings knew they’d need to lock things down-and that’s exactly what they did. Detroit managed to cut the lead in half, but LA stayed composed.
No panic, no major breakdowns. The Kings kept the Red Wings to the outside, limited high-danger chances, and protected Anton Forsberg, who quietly put together a solid night in net.
Then, with Detroit pressing and their net empty, Corey Perry sealed the deal. He launched a full-ice empty-netter that put the game out of reach and secured two big points in the standings.
Studs and a Dud: Who Stood Out
Stud: Andrei Kuzmenko, W
Kuzmenko’s power-play goal wasn’t just pretty-it was pivotal.
It gave the Kings breathing room and ended up as the game-winner. Beyond the goal, he was active all night, generating chances and helping drive play.
He’s heating up at the right time.
Stud: Anton Forsberg, G
Forsberg didn’t face a barrage, but he made the saves that mattered. Calm in his crease and sharp with his positioning, he gave the Kings the backstop they needed to hold off a talented Detroit squad.
Dud: N/A
Hard to find a true “dud” in a game where the Kings executed so well across the board. This was a team win-structured, disciplined, and opportunistic.
The Bigger Picture
This win wasn’t just about two points-it was a statement. The Kings went into a tough building against a high-quality opponent and played their brand of hockey: smart, defensively sound, and opportunistic on special teams. They’re now riding a three-game win streak and inching their way back into the mix in the West.
If LA can keep this level of play going, especially on the road, they’re going to be a tough out down the stretch. The Pacific Division is still wide open-and the Kings just reminded everyone that they’re still very much in the fight.