Kings Top Islanders to Secure Final Wild-Card Spot
NEW YORK — Adrian Kempe scored his team-leading 26th goal of the season as the Los Angeles Kings secured a 3-2 victory against the New York Islanders on Friday night.
Alongside Kempe, Trevor Moore and Anze Kopitar also found the net for the Kings, who improved their record to 27-23-15. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper was instrumental in the win, making 21 saves on 23 shots.
This victory propelled the Kings into the final wild-card playoff spot in the Western Conference. However, the San José Sharks trail by just one point, having played two fewer games. The Seattle Kraken and Nashville Predators are closely positioned, sitting two points behind the Kings.
Emil Heineman scored twice for the Islanders, whose record now stands at 37-24-5. Ilya Sorokin contributed with 24 saves, while Bo Horvat provided two assists.
Kempe’s goal, a wrist shot with 1:32 remaining in the first period, was pivotal, putting the Kings ahead 3-0. He has now totaled five goals and four assists in his past six games.
After the final whistle, the Islanders remained on the ice to shake hands with Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who is in his 20th and final season in the NHL.
The Kings will face the New Jersey Devils next on Saturday.
