The Los Angeles Kings clinched a playoff spot and secured a third-place finish in the Pacific Division with a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Kings' comeback, coupled with the Vegas Golden Knights' loss to Anaheim, propelled Los Angeles into a playoff rematch with the Edmonton Oilers.
Los Angeles took a two-goal lead into the third period against Chicago, but the Blackhawks mounted a quick comeback, scoring three goals in five minutes to take the lead. However, the Kings managed to tie the game late in regulation, with Viktor Arvidsson scoring the crucial goal with just 1:21 left on the clock.
The Kings' Adrian Kempe then sealed the victory with an unassisted goal just six seconds into overtime, securing the third-place finish for Los Angeles and setting up a first-round playoff series against the Oilers.
Quinton Byfield, Tyler Johnson, Joey Anderson, and Ryan Donato were among the goal scorers for the Blackhawks, while Arvidsson had a standout performance for the Kings with two goals and an assist. Byfield's goal ended a 19-game drought, and Trevor Moore also found the back of the net for Los Angeles.
Chicago, on the other hand, concluded their season with a sixth consecutive loss, finishing with the second-fewest points in the NHL. Forward Nick Foligno expressed disappointment with the team's performance and emphasized the need for significant changes in the offseason to improve.
Looking ahead, the Blackhawks will have the second-best odds in the upcoming NHL draft lottery, while the Kings are gearing up for a playoff showdown with the Oilers, aiming to avenge their previous postseason defeats.
The Kings will face off against the Oilers in Game 1 of the first round on Monday night, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense playoff series between the two teams.
UP NEXT
Blackhawks: The NHL draft lottery in early May.
Kings: Game 1 of the first round against second-place Edmonton.
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL
