Jets Fall to Kings for First Road Loss of Season
Adrian Kempe scored his 200th NHL career goal, Drew Doughty broke the Los Angeles record for goals by a defenseman, and the Kings defeated the Winnipeg Jets 3-0 on Tuesday night.
Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves, and Kevin Fiala added a late power-play goal, helping the Kings secure their first home win of the season in six games.
Connor Hellebuyck also made 23 saves for the Jets, who suffered their first road loss in five attempts this season.
Kempe Reaches Milestone
Kempe scored late in the first period, putting the Kings ahead with his sixth goal of the season. He capitalized on Joel Armia’s centring pass from the trapezoid by attacking the crease.
Kempe is the ninth member of the 2014 draft class to reach 200 goals, achieving the mark in 644 games.
Doughty Sets Franchise Record
Doughty passed Rob Blake with his 162nd goal in 1,221 games, scoring an empty-netter with 54 seconds remaining.
Lineup Changes Pay Off
The Kings made adjustments by moving Armia to the top line and reuniting Mikey Anderson with Doughty on the first defensive pair. Armia and Anderson each recorded assists on Kempe’s goal.
Perry Joins Elite Group
Corey Perry played in his 1,400th career game, becoming the 44th player in NHL history to reach that milestone. He joins active players Brent Burns (1,511), Alex Ovechkin (1,503), and Anze Kopitar (1,464) in this group.
"Kempe is the ninth member of the 2014 draft class to reach 200 goals, getting there in 644 games."
"Doughty passed franchise stalwart Rob Blake with his 162nd goal in 1,221 games with an empty-netter with 54 seconds remaining."
"Corey Perry played in his 1,400th career game, becoming the 44th player in NHL history to do so."
Author’s summary: The Kings’ strategic lineup changes and individual milestones led to a decisive 3-0 victory over the Jets, marking their first home win and the Jets’ first road loss of the season.