February 28th, 2017
The Kings overtime luck is finally running out, and it’s happening at the worst time. For the 2nd night in a row, LA lost in OT. This time, it was a critical 2-1 loss to the Calgary Flames.
TJ Brodie got loose on a breakaway just 1:47 into overtime, as the Flames spoiled goaltender Ben Bishop’s debut as a King. Brodie got behind the LA defense, and received a long pass from Mikael Backlund before making a nice move to beat Bishop. It was Brodie’s 5th goal of the season.
Coming into Tuesday’s game, the Kings were 10-2 in overtime games this season, and over the last two years had been the best team in the NHL in the extra session. Despite LA’s offensive struggles the last few years, they have been excellent since the NHL implemented 3-on-3 during overtime.
Tanner Pearson scored the Kings only goal of the game, knocking in a power play goal at the 8:42 mark of the 1st period. It was Pearson’s 21st of the season, and had to be reviewed by the officials to be sure that it had crossed the goal line before the whistle blew.
The Flames would tie things up in the 2nd period, when Michael Ferland slapped in a pass from Mark Giordano. Ferland took advantage of the fact that Kings defenseman, Jake Muzzin, had fallen down on the play, which allowed him to get open in front of the LA net.
Ben Bishop was spectacular in his Kings debut, stopping 28 shots, including several big saves in the 2nd period. As many feared though, Bishop was unable to help LA’s struggling offense.
Although the Kings did salvage a point in the standings, they remained 1 point behind St. Louis for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. With the win, Calgary has now opened up a 6 point lead on the Kings. The teams will meet three more times before the season is over, with two of them in Calgary.
It’s going to be an interesting next two days for the Kings before they begin a 7 game home stand on Thursday against Toronto. Wednesday at 12 pm PST is the trade deadline. It’s the last chance for Dean Lombardi to try and bring in some more help offensively before the season is over. Then on Thursday, Kings play-by-play announcer Bob Miller will be holding a press conference regarding his future. Miller has been home recuperating from a stroke he suffered in late January, and is expected to announce his retirement.