The Los Angeles Kings wrapped up their East Coast swing with a gritty, much-needed 3-2 overtime win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday afternoon - a victory that not only snapped a frustrating trend but also showed flashes of the team’s potential when everything clicks.
Now 3-1-0 on the week, the Kings head into the second half of their back-to-back with some momentum, thanks in large part to a two-goal performance from Adrian Kempe and a clutch overtime finish from Quinton Byfield.
Fast Start, Familiar Pattern
Credit to Jim Hiller’s squad - they came out with purpose. The Kings wasted no time getting on the board, with Kempe striking just three minutes into the first period. It was the kind of early punch the Kings have been looking to land more consistently, and Kempe’s finish was clinical.
He wasn’t done.
Later in the opening frame, Kempe doubled the lead with his second of the game, giving the Kings a 2-0 cushion before the Flyers had even found their footing. It was a textbook road start - aggressive forecheck, quick puck movement, and capitalizing on early chances.
But if there’s been one troubling theme in L.A.’s season, it’s been their inability to lock things down with a lead. And once again, the third period nearly unraveled them.
Flyers Push Back
Philadelphia responded early in the second period with a goal from Trevor Zegras, slicing the Kings’ lead in half. Then, just 25 seconds into the third, Travis Konecny beat Darcy Kuemper to tie the game at two. In a flash, what looked like a statement win was suddenly hanging in the balance.
For Kings fans, it was all too familiar - another multi-goal lead slipping away late. But this time, L.A. found an answer.
Byfield Delivers in OT
Quinton Byfield, who’s had moments this season where his offensive potential has shined, came through when the Kings needed it most. A few minutes into overtime, Byfield sniped Flyers goalie Dan Vladar with a pinpoint shot over the shoulder - a confident, composed finish that sealed the win and secured two crucial points in the standings.
That’s the kind of moment Kings fans have been waiting for from Byfield - not just flashes of speed or strength, but a game-winning play in a high-leverage situation. It was a reminder of why the organization has remained patient with his development.
And it wasn’t just the goal. Byfield was a force in the faceoff circle, winning over 70 percent of his draws, including several key defensive-zone faceoffs late in regulation. Alongside winger Alex Laferriere, he helped stabilize the Kings’ possession game when things got tense.
Studs and Duds
Let’s break down a few standouts from the win:
Stud: Quinton Byfield, C
The overtime hero.
Byfield’s game-winner was the kind of high-skill finish that highlights his offensive upside, but his impact went beyond the scoresheet. He played a mature, two-way game, dominated in the faceoff circle, and showed poise in key moments.
After a tough loss earlier in the week against Buffalo, this was a bounce-back performance the Kings needed from him.
Stud: Adrian Kempe, LW
Kempe set the tone early and gave the Kings the breathing room they needed.
His two first-period goals were the difference in getting this game to overtime in the first place. When he’s engaged like this, Kempe can take over stretches of a game with his skating and shot.
Dud: The Third Period Letdown
It’s hard to ignore the recurring issue here.
The Kings once again let a multi-goal lead slip away late. That’s not sustainable if this team wants to stay in the playoff mix out West.
The win masks it a bit, but the pattern is clear - and it needs to be addressed.
Looking Ahead
The Kings still have work to do. Saturday’s win was a step in the right direction, but the third-period lapses remain a concern. That said, when players like Byfield and Kempe are producing, and the team is getting timely goaltending, there’s a foundation to build on.
With the second half of the back-to-back looming, the Kings will need to carry this energy - and maybe bottle a little bit of that Byfield magic - into the next one.