Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke picked an excellent time for his first career NHL goal.
FIRST CAREER GOAL FOR BRANDT CLARKE IS A KINGS OT GAME WINNER pic.twitter.com/3yeUMjT2xT
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 17, 2024
His wrist shot 4:33 into overtime sealed the Kings' 5-4 comeback win against the Bruins.
The No. 8 overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Clarke had only appeared in 16 career games, including seven in 2023-24, entering Saturday.
A shoulder injury has limited him this season, but Clarke made his biggest play as a pro with his winning goal in overtime.
The goal saved Clarke from being the scapegoat in a loss. Earlier in the overtime period, he was called for a hooking penalty against Bruins right wing David Pastrnak, but the Kings killed Boston's power play right before Clarke's winner.
He came out of the penalty box and received a pass from center Phillip Danault on a breakaway for Danault's 21st assist of the year.
The Bruins (32-12-11) held a 4-3 lead for the majority of the third period, but Kings center Anze Kopitar scored an empty net power play goal with 1:35 remaining in regulation to force overtime.
With the win, the Kings (26-16-10) have 62 points and hold the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
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