LOS ANGELES The season debut of top prospect Brandt Clarke had to wait, the Kings’ revamped lines clicked early but not very often, and by the end of the evening, they were facing their first four-game losing streak of the year.
They led the Detroit Red Wings by two goals after the first period, but they ultimately lost 4-3 in a shootout on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Adrian Kempe scored twice, with linemates Pierre-Luc Dubois and Alex Laferriere setting him up for both goals. Matt Roy, a Michigan native, added a goal. In his third appearance, David Rittich (24 saves) suffered his first defeat as a King. After witnessing Tuesday’s loss to Toronto from the pressbox, winger Arthur Kaliyev returned to the lineup, but Clarke, who was recalled on Wednesday, was a healthy scratch.
Between goals from Robby Fabbri and Jeff Petry, Detroit’s scoring was bookended. Alex Lyon made forty saves, and Daniel Sprong had two assists. Lucas Raymond scored in the shootout before three-time Stanley Cup winner and well-known opponent Patrick Kane ended the Kings’ chances.
Kempe expressed his disappointment at just receiving a single point at the end of the game, saying, “I think we played well enough to win.
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A Detroit breakaway and two Kings “game-on-his-stick” moments were among the exciting end-to-end situations that characterised the five-minute overtime. The first of the Kings’ several excellent opportunities was created by Jordan Spence. After a takeaway from Kevin Fiala and a subsequent giveaway, Alex DeBrincat, Detroit’s top scorer, went on a breakaway.
