NHL Match Recap: Canadiens vs. Kings
In a thrilling NHL match on Saturday evening, the Montreal Canadiens staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 at the Crypto.com Arena, capping off their California road trip on a high note. Juraj Slafkovsky played a pivotal role in the triumph, netting his second goal of the game just 49 seconds before assisting team captain Nick Suzuki in scoring the decisive goal with 4:33 left on the clock.
Key Performers
Other contributors to Montreal’s offense included Jake Evans, while goaltender Jakub Dobes delivered an impressive performance, stopping 35 shots throughout the match. This win marked the Canadiens’ 20th comeback of the season, a league-leading feat, and came only a day after they lost a wild contest to the Anaheim Ducks by a score of 6-5 after surrendering a lead late in that game.
Game Highlights
Slafkovsky’s equalizer came during the Canadiens’ lone power play opportunity, following a forced turnover by Cole Caufield, which initiated the sequence leading to Suzuki’s one-timer that slid beneath the arm of Kings’ goalie Darcy Kuemper.
Earlier in the game, Anze Kopitar had opened the scoring with his seventh goal late in the first period, ending a long drought of 21 games without a goal for the 38-year-old captain, who is set to retire after a two-decade career with the franchise.
Struggles for the Kings
The Kings scored first with Laferriere’s goal to break the deadlock in the third period, but their struggles continued as they’ve now lost seven of their last nine games, including two of three under interim coach D.J. Smith. New acquisition Scott Laughton made his debut for the Kings and contributed with a goal.
Resilience of the Canadiens
The Canadiens exhibited resilience, notably when Slafkovsky tied the game shortly after a Kings penalty for slashing charged to Trevor Moore, who found himself in the box with just under six minutes remaining. The night also marked Phillip Danault’s return to Los Angeles, where he previously played before being traded back to Montreal. His reception was lukewarm as he looks to regain form after a stretch without a goal earlier in the season.
Looking Ahead
As they move forward, the Canadiens will face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs at home on Tuesday, while the Kings will set out on a five-game road trip, commencing with a match against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night.
