Statistical Review: LA Kings 3, Dallas Stars 2 (OT)

The second period followed a similar script, with the Stars holding an 80.5% xGF% share in 5v5 play. Dallas scored on the power play before the Kings answered right back on Cody Ceci’s first goal as a Los Angeles King. It appeared that Alex Laferriere had given LA a 3–1 lead late in the period, but the goal was overturned after officials ruled he tipped the puck with a high stick.

In the final 20 minutes of regulation, the Kings found their footing, somewhat, though Dallas tied the game again on the power play. In 5v5 play, however, Los Angeles was the better team, posting a 59.26% xGF% share in the frame. Kempe had perhaps the best look of the period, narrowly missing on a centering feed from Laferriere.

Individual Impacts

By individual expected goals (xG) contributions, this wasn’t a pretty game for anyone on the Kings. Corey Perry led all skaters with a 0.95 xG, according to MoneyPuck. The former Dallas Star scored his first goal in a Kings sweater, converting on the team’s 5v3 power play in the first period. Perry finished tied for the team lead with three shots on goal.

The next closest skater for Los Angeles was Kempe, who registered a 0.21 xG and also finished with three shots. Aside from the overtime winner and a near miss in the third period, his only other shot came from above the left-wing circle late in the regulation.

According to Natural Stat Trick, the line of Trevor Moore, Phillip Danault, and Warren Foegele was the Kings’ best on Thursday night. The trio, who logged 7:57 of 5v5 ice time, posted a 93.09% xGF% share. When they were on the ice, the Kings outshot the Stars 7–1. Moore recorded three shots on goal, though none were considered high-danger chances.

On defense, the pairing of Brian Dumoulin and Drew Doughty was once again the most effective overall, generating a 0.39 xG despite a modest 30.2% xGF% share in 5v5 play. That tracks, as neither defenseman was able to create many high-danger looks. Dumoulin finished with two shots on goal, while Doughty had one.

The Mikey Anderson–Cody Ceci pairing also performed relatively well, producing a 0.27 xG in 12:44 of 5v5 ice time. Ceci scored the go-ahead goal in the second period and finished with three shots on goal. He also had four blocked shots. Anderson had the initial shot attempt that Laferriere appeared to tip in before the goal was overturned.

We wrap with the netminder, Darcy Kuemper, who has been the hero of the Kings’ last two games. On Thursday, Kuemper posted a 3.878 expected goals against (xGA) value, according to MoneyPuck, meaning he outperformed the metrics by nearly two goals. It certainly doesn’t feel like a sustainable metric. However, it got the job done (again) on Thursday.