LOS ANGELES — On Saturday, the Los Angeles Kings secured a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken, with both goals coming in the second period from Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield.
 
Kings’ goalie David Rittich was instrumental in the win, stopping 19 shots and helping the team to a solid 6-2-1 record at home. The scoring broke open early in the second period, with Byfield netting a power-play goal from a challenging angle just as he went down to one knee, marking his 98th career point in his 200th game.
 
The Kraken managed to narrow the gap late in the game when Brandon Montour scored with just 1:26 remaining on the clock. He capitalized on an opportunity while Joey Daccord was off the ice, but Los Angeles managed to maintain their lead until the final buzzer. Daccord ended the night with 19 saves for Seattle.
 
In terms of injuries, the Kraken will be without Jordan Eberle for at least three months following surgery on his pelvis. Before his injury sustained against Chicago on November 14, he had accumulated six goals and five assists in 17 games.
 
For the Kings, they had been struggling with their power play, converting just 1 out of 16 opportunities (6.25%) over the previous six games before Byfield’s timely goal, which was crucial as it was their only chance with the man advantage in the matchup.
 
A pivotal moment in this game came after the Kings faced a lackluster offensive performance in their previous game against Buffalo. They shifted gears significantly in the second period, generating more scoring chances and sealing the game with their two goals.
 
Statistically, the Kings have demonstrated strong closing abilities, now showing an impressive record of 9-0-1 when leading following the second period.
 
Looking ahead, the Kraken will be traveling to Anaheim for their next game on Monday, while the Kings will face off against the San Jose Sharks on the same day.