While many people surrounding the Kings have tried to describe the last 48 hours as less dramatic than some are making it out to be, it at least feels like several of the events have weight to many on the outside looking in.
Goalie Cal Petersen was signed to a three-year extension in September 2021. He’s now cleared waivers and is in AHL Ontario. Further, GM Rob Blake addressed the team at their El Segundo training facility on Wednesday. This wasn’t simply business as usual.
Blake and coach Todd McLellan talked about this being a re-set at the 25 games played mark. If so, they have to be pleased with the results of Thursday night.
Captain Anze Kopitar led the way with two goals and played an inspired game at both ends of the ice.
Anze Kopitar is skating in NHL regular season game No. 1,236. He's never had a fight. And that could change tonight. Dude has been feisty.
FWIW — His only fight came in Game 3, 2012 playoffs… https://t.co/jvVC2mRvh4
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 2, 2022
Kopitar is on a mission tonight.
Kings captain makes it 4-3
15 min remaining in P3
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 2, 2022
Fiala ENG
Kings 5-3Important win for LA
Game 1 of the re-set
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 2, 2022
Below are select highlights from Thursday’s game:
Additional Post-Game Notes:
— LA has now scored 23 power play goals, sixth best in the NHL. Their 24.73 conversion rate is the 10th best power play among all 32 teams.
— Overall, LA is averaging 3.42 goals per game. That’s tied with Edmonton for ninth best. By comparison, Colorado is only one tick head at 3.43 goals per game.
Kopitar post-game 12.1.2022 pic.twitter.com/r5J7M9QrZa
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 2, 2022
Doughty post-game 12.1.2022 pic.twitter.com/joIZpxSmG0
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 2, 2022
If he's just kind of standing around waiting for things to come to him, it doesn't go real well. Tonight, he used his legs really well.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 2, 2022
McLellan on Fagemo
Best I've seen Sammy play this year… We were really hoping he would be here full-time. He didn't have the camp we anticipated. So, that is the best game that I've seen Sammy play, exhibition or regular season this year. Hats off to him for having an impact.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 2, 2022
— Kopitar’s two goals marked his 88th and 89th points (23G, 66A) against the Arizona Coyotes franchise, surpassing Luc Robitaille’s 87 points (42G, 45A) for the most by an LA Kings skater against the Coyotes.
— Kevin Fiala recorded his 20th assist of the season. Per NHL PR, only four skaters have recorded at least 20 assists in fewer games from the start of their tenure with LA: Wayne Gretzky (15 GP, 1989-99), Larry Murphy (21 GP, 1980-81), Pavol Demitra (22 GP, 2005-06) and Jozef Stumpel (25 GP, 1997-98).
— Carl Grundstrom notched his sixth goal of the season; becoming the first LA Kings skater to score on his birthday since Drew Doughty (Dec. 8, 2016 vs. Carolina).
Warmies in DTLA #theKids
📸 MM photog @mikezitekphotos pic.twitter.com/pFlp99Tloc
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 2, 2022
P1 action pic.twitter.com/wUXRXBlRak
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 2, 2022
P2 action pic.twitter.com/8HYTl3loB1
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 2, 2022
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LA Kings GM Rob Blake Gives His State of the Season After 25 Games
Lead photo via Mike Zitek
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