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Statistical Review: Red Wings 4, LA Kings 3 (SO)

Originally posted on Hockey Royalty | By Ryan Sikes | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 10:22 AM ET

The LA Kings returned to Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night but were unable to secure the two points, falling 4-3 in a shootout to the visiting Detroit Red Wings. The game notably marked the return of former Kings goaltender Cam Talbot and head coach Todd McLellan.

After recording just 14 shots on goal in a win against the Sharks on Tuesday, the Kings turned in a much better effort against Detroit, registering 38 shots on goal, including 10 in the first period.

Los Angeles opened the scoring in the second period on a shorthanded marker from Alex Laferriere. However, the Red Wings scored three straight goals, a run that extended into the third period. Corey Perry scored two goals, including his first at Crypto.com Arena, to force the game to overtime and secure at least one point.

It looked like the Kings had won the game in the extra session, but Kevin Fiala’s goal was waved off after goaltender interference overruled the tally. In the shootout, the Red Wings prevailed to take the other point.

Big Picture

Per MoneyPuck.com, the analytics suggest that the LA Kings should have come away with two points, logging a 6.23-5.22 advantage in expected goals for in all situations.

According to Natural Stat Trick, the Kings held a 75.39% xGF% advantage in 5v5 play in the opening 20 minutes. Joel Armia couldn’t connect in the first minute on a centering feed in transition from Phillip Danault. Later in the frame, Joel Edmundson missed on a wide-open net.

The second period saw Detroit make a push, logging a 73.24 xGF% share in 5v5 play, including a 73.33% high-danger chances for (HDCF%) share.

Despite registering just a 33.11 xGF% share in 5v5 play during the third period, the Kings were able to tie the game late in regulation with the goaltender pulled and the extra attacker on the ice.

Individual Impacts

As far as individual contributions, Corey Perry was analytically the best player on the Kings on Thursday night. The veteran logged a 1.51 xG, per MoneyPuck. That metric tracks as Perry generated four shots on goal and scored twice on plays in front of the net.

He primarily skated with Kevin Fiala and Quinton Byfield in the Kings’ 11 forwards and seven defensemen lineup. That trio accounted for a 53.69 xGF% share, including a 57.14 HDCF%, in 5v5 play on Thursday.

Fiala was valued at a 1.32 xG, which aligns with the eye test. He had seven shots on goal in 24:33 TOI and appeared to have the game-winner in OT before the goal was called back. Fiala also had a look in the second period after Brandt Clarke powered his way to the net.

Adrian Kempe had a good showing on Thursday, accounting for a 0.73 xG metric. Kempe led all Kings skaters with seven shots on goal and notably fired a shot off the post late in the first period.

Alex Laferriere accounted for just a 0.13 xG share, which seems low, given he scored shorthanded. Laferriere also had a good look from the right-wing circle late in the opening period. He finished with three shots on goal and a blocked shot.

On the backend, the Joel Edmundson-Brandt Clarke pairing was analytically the Kings’ best on Thursday. The duo, who logged 12:51 TOI in 5v5 play, accounted for a 48.0 xGF% share.

As always, we wrap with the goaltender. Darcy Kuemper registered a 5.22 xGA value, meaning he outperformed his metrics by more than two goals. Kuemper made 24 saves in all and was a big reason why the Kings were able to pick up at least one point on the night.

This article first appeared on Hockey Royalty and was syndicated with permission.

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