Adrian Kempe Scores Key Shootout Goal, Helping Kings Beat Rival Oilers
EDMONTON, Canada — Adrian Kempe secured victory for the Kings with the only goal in a shootout, leading Los Angeles to a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night. This matchup marked their first encounter since the Oilers eliminated the Kings in the first round of the playoffs for four consecutive seasons.
In a tightly contested game, Connor McDavid brought Edmonton back to a 3-3 tie with a power-play goal at 9:20 left in the third period, notching his 30th goal of the season and extending his career-high points streak to 18 games.
The Kings showcased a strong offensive performance, with Corey Perry, Andre Lee, and Alex Laferriere each finding the net during regulation. Goalie Anton Forsberg made 21 saves, aiding the Kings in their recovery from a recent 5-1 defeat against Winnipeg. Notably, the 40-year-old Perry had spent the prior two seasons with the Oilers.
Despite the win, Los Angeles played without captain Anze Kopitar, who missed his third consecutive game due to a lower-body injury.
For the Oilers, Leon Draisaitl scored two goals, while Connor Ingram stopped 27 shots in net. However, the team struggled in the shootout, as McDavid, Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins were unsuccessful in their attempts.
