The Los Angeles Kings shutout the Nashville Predators 3-0 on a great night from goaltender Darcy Kuemper. After his return from injury, Kuemper has been a strong point for the Kings, stopping 16 shots tonight and marking down his 32nd clean sheet of his career.
Center Anze Kopitar ended up being the difference maker, scoring 13 minutes into the first frame of play on an assist from Brandt Clarke. Continuing to put up impressive numbers, Clarke now has eight points over the last six games. After the goal, Kopitar still holds the lead for most points on the team at 14.
Los Angeles’ second goal came from winger Kevin Fiala 30 seconds into the third period. After a good forecheck — which the Kings have done a solid job of this season — Fiala slammed home a rebound on the original shot from center Phillip Danault.
To ice off the game, winger Adrian Kempe found the empty net to secure the Kings’ victory and move their record to 7-3-3. After the win, Los Angeles is tied with the Golden Knights atop the Pacific Division rankings, while the Predators are yet to find the start they are looking for and hit rock bottom in the Central.
The Kings will look to keep their momentum going against the Wild at the Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota on Tuesday at 5 p.m.