Kings fall to Flames despite late push

LOS ANGELES – Heading into Saturday night’s matchup against the Calgary Flames, the Los Angeles Kings had one primary objective: snap their three-game losing streak and get back into the win column.

This marked the first meeting between the Kings and Flames this season.

Ultimately, Los Angeles came up short, falling to Calgary, 3-2, and extending its losing streak to four consecutive games.

Before puck drop, the Kings honored goaltender Darcy Kuemper for reaching 500 career NHL games. The organization presented him with a Silver Stick along with several other gifts, including a Rolex. 

Kuemper originally reached the milestone against the New York Islanders on Nov. 12.

The Kings entered Saturday’s contest with a 5-10-2 record after suffering a 5-2 loss to the Islanders on Thursday.

Artemi Panarin had been among Los Angeles’ most productive players to begin the season, entering the matchup with four goals over his previous 10 games, along with eight assists. Quinton Byfield had also contributed offensively, recording five goals and two assists.

The Kings needed both forwards to continue their production as they looked to end their recent struggles. However, finding an offensive rhythm against Calgary proved difficult early, as the Kings were held scoreless in the opening period while managing just four shots on goal.

Calgary broke the scoreless tie just 2:13 into the second period when center Morgan Frost scored his fifth goal of the season. Yegor Sharangovich recorded the assist, marking his sixth of the year.

The Kings had opportunities to respond throughout the period but struggled to capitalize on their chances, continuing a frustrating offensive performance.

Physicality also became a storyline as the two teams were involved in several altercations throughout the matchup. Despite the intensity, the Kings continued searching for answers offensively.

Much of the same offensive struggles continued for the Kings in the third period, as the Kings had difficulty converting their scoring opportunities. That changed at the 6:21 mark when Joel Armia found the back of the net to tie the game at one.

Joel Edmundson recorded an assist on the play, his second of the season, while Alex Laferriere also picked up an assist, his second of the year.

With the game tied, the Kings had an opportunity to build momentum and potentially complete a comeback. However, Calgary responded when Matvei Gridin scored his sixth goal of the season, restoring the Flames’ lead. Martin Pospisil recorded the assist, his fifth of the year.

Calgary added another goal with 1:14 remaining in regulation, building a 3-1 advantage and putting the Kings in a difficult position late in the game.

The Kings managed to respond shortly afterward when Mats Zuccarello scored his first goal of the season. Laferriere recorded his 10th assist of the year, while Brandt Clarke also picked up his 10th assist.

Despite the late push, the Kings couldn’t find another equalizer, as Calgary held on for the 3-2 victory and extended the Kings’ losing streak to four consecutive games.

With the loss, the Kings fell to 5-11-2 on the season and will look to get back on track against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Boston enters the matchup with a 13-6-1 record.