Statistical Review: LA Kings 3, Minnesota Wild 4 (SO)

According to Natural Stat Trick, the Kings posted a 66.22% and 60.23% expected goals for percentage (xGF%) at 5v5 in the second and third periods, respectively. Despite generating 66.67% of the high-danger chances in the second period, LA couldn’t find the back of the net.

In the final frame, the Kings managed just 25% of the high-danger chances at even strength, though Kevin Fiala did score during 5v5 play. Quinton Byfield narrowed the deficit with a power-play goal, and Adrian Kempe netted the equalizer in a 6v5 situation with the goalie pulled.

Individual Impacts

Based on individual expected goals (xG) contributions, Kevin Fiala (0.73) and Quinton Byfield (0.68) led the way for Los Angeles. That tracks, as Fiala paced all Kings skaters with seven shots on goal. Byfield registered just one shot, but it came from the low slot and resulted in a converted high-danger opportunity.

Adrian Kempe (0.52) and Alex Turcotte (0.51) weren’t far behind. Kempe fired five shots on goal and now has scored in back-to-back games. Turcotte recorded three shots, including a jam attempt early in the second period, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

The Kings made adjustments to both their forward lines and defensive pairings. Up front, Fiala and Byfield skated alongside Joel Armia after head coach Jim Hiller was encouraged by the trio’s limited showing in Saturday’s game. On Monday, that line logged 8:48 of ice time at 5v5 and led the team with a 68.23 xGF% share.

Turcotte centered a line with Jeff Malott and Alex Laferriere. Together, they posted a 65.77 xGF% and generated two high-danger scoring chances, including Turcotte’s aforementioned jam attempt.

The Kings made several changes to their defensive pairings. Brian Dumoulin, who was paired with Drew Doughty on LA’s top defensive unit, led not just all defensemen but all skaters with a 76.64 xGF% in 5v5 play. While he was on the ice, the Kings generated 10 shots for and allowed only three against, including an 83.33% share of high-danger chances.

The Brandt Clarke–Joel Edmundson pairing logged 13:04 of 5v5 time together, posting a 52.5 xGF% (via MoneyPuck). Clarke nearly netted the game-winner in overtime with a filthy move in the low slot.

Goaltender Darcy Kuemper performed as expected, facing an xGA of 3.038. He was heavily screened on the Wild’s first two goals and left the short side slightly exposed on the third. However, he was solid over the final 40 minutes, making 23 saves overall to help the Kings rally and secure at least one point.