Overtime and shootout have not been the Kings’ friend. On Sunday, they lost in the former against the St. Louis Blues, 4-3.
The Kings started quickly when Adrian Kempe fired a shot into the back into the back of the net.
The Blues responded with a goal of their own. However, the Kings regained their lead when Jaret Anderon-Dolan scored a shorthanded goal early in the second period. Trevor Lewis found him across the front of the net despite traffic there.
Despite the goal, the Kings fell behind when the Blues scored two goals, leaving them chasing into the final minutes. Then, Phillip Danault sent the game to overtime by scoring late.
Like clockwork, the Kings lost the game in overtime, giving up a goal 1:04 into the period. They have 10 losses in overtime in 2023-24, tied for second most in the NHL.
“Each situation is different,” said head coach Todd McLellan. “We forced a two on one in overtime, they picked it off and came back the other way and beat our goalie with a good shot. That is how overtime goes sometimes.”
The Kings remained fourth in the Pacific Division with their fourth straight loss, as the third-place Edmonton Oilers have won 16 straight. They are tied on points with the Blues in the two wild card spots, with a few teams knocking on the door.
Next, the Kings play the Nashville Predators on Wednesday, looking to save their season as it slips away.
