Any worries about a sluggish start in their first post-holiday game were quickly erased by the LA Kings on Tuesday. Gabe Vilardi scored his team-leading 15th marker of the season around 12-minutes into the opening frame and coach Todd McLellan likely exhaled — at least slightly.
One year ago, facing the same opponent, the Kings were down 3-1 at first intermission and 5-2 at the second break. Not this time around. As they were in the weeks leading up to Christmas, LA was committed to playing a sound defensive game this time around. In net, Pheonix Copley only faced 25 shots, stopping 23 of them.
Driving the offense for LA was the new look Phil Danault line, featuring Viktor Arvidsson back at wing along with Alex Iafallo. Each player had a goal and the line combined for a total of eight points. Tied 2-2 heading into the third period, it was Iafallo who recorded the game-winning goal.
Quinton Byfield was recalled earlier in the day and played around 9 minutes on the fourth line and second power play unit. A spot in the lineup opened up for him due to a lower body injury suffered by Arthur Kaliyev against Anaheim on December 20. He will likely be sidelined for a few more weeks.
Below are select highlights from Tuesday night’s game:
Additional Post-Game Notes:
VIDEO: Hoven on Kings Intermission Report via Bally Sports West
Byfield on getting the call from @ontarioreign GM Rich Seeley… pic.twitter.com/23basCFUSu
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 28, 2022
Iafallo told me he definitely thought it was the best game of the season. Noted they played well in all three zones, that was the key.
Mentioned they were looking for redemption
Asked who is playing better right now, him or Danault?
"Phil. Always Phil!" (with a huge smile)
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 28, 2022
Todd McLellan speaks following the win vs Vegas #GoKingsGo | @LAKings pic.twitter.com/H9srFF4XY8
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) December 28, 2022
McLellan on Vilardi pic.twitter.com/oeucIkr7Qk
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 28, 2022
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