LOS ANGELES — Adrian Kempe and Warren Foegele each netted a pair of goals, while Andrei Kuzmeko contributed a goal and two assists, propelling the Los Angeles Kings to an 8-1 rout over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night. This impressive win allowed the Kings to set a franchise record for home victories in a season, securing their 27th win on home ice. Previously, the Kings achieved 26 home victories on four occasions, most recently in the 2022-23 season. Goaltender David Rittich put on a solid performance with 22 saves.
The victory positioned the Kings two points ahead of the Edmonton Oilers in the race for second place in the Pacific Division standings, as both teams vied for home-ice advantage in an anticipated fourth consecutive first-round playoff matchup. Additional contributions came from Phillip Danault, Trevor Moore, and Trevor Lewis, each lighting the lamp for the Kings.
The only bright spot for the Sharks was Cam Lund, who found the back of the net for the second consecutive game. However, San Jose struggled offensively, breaking through for just a single goal for the fourth time in their last six games. Sharks goaltender Georgi Romanov managed 28 saves on the night.
The Kings, keen to avoid a three-game losing streak reminiscent of their challenging road trip through the Midwest in late February and early March, set the tone early with first-period goals from Danault and Kempe. From that point, they maintained unwavering pressure on the Sharks.
Notable Insights:
Sharks: The defensive struggles continued as San Jose has conceded five or more goals in 20 games this season, with 13 of those games seeing opponents score six goals or more.
Kings: Foegele achieved a new career milestone by recording 22 goals in the season, surpassing his previous high of 20 goals with Edmonton. Notably, he secured the record with his first special teams goal this year.
Pivotal Moment:
A key stretch came when Foegele and Kempe scored just 33 seconds apart in the final minute of the second period, extending the lead significantly and turning the game into a lopsided affair.
Significant Statistic:
Kempe has now surpassed the 30-goal mark for the third time in his nine-year NHL career. He becomes the 12th player in Kings history to achieve three or more 30-goal seasons.
Looking Ahead:
Both teams will be in action again on Tuesday night. The Sharks travel to Anaheim to face the Ducks, while the Kings remain at home to host the league-leading Winnipeg Jets.