Post-Game Analysis: Leafs Fall 4-2 Vs. Kings in Los Angeles

Mitch Marner and Michael Bunting celebrating in Leafs alternate jerseys
Mitch Marner and Michael Bunting celebrating in Leafs alternate jersey Photo credit: Claus Andersen/Getty Images

   The Toronto Maple Leafs were defeated by the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night. A game with its ups and downs ended with another frustrating result for the Maple Leafs, who now hold a record of 4-41. The Kings have lost three of their last four were the underdogs coming into this one and, yet still managed to take away the full two points in regulation. Some costly errors and an inability to hold off the Kings power play made it a long night for Leafs nation watching this one.

    In the opening period, the Los Angeles Kings clearly had the better start, dominating the shot totals and outskating the blue and white early. After Maple Leafs forward Calle Jarnkrok’s tripping minor, play started to get a little bit more even. The Leafs finally started to get their legs moving and opened the scoring on the power play! A rebound off the boards behind the goal was quickly put in the net by Maple Leafs captain John Tavares. The 32-year-old forward continued his strong start to the season early in this one, adding his fourth goal of the season. After the Maple Leafs took the lead, both sides finished out the period with some pretty even play. The Los Angeles Kings remained the side with most of the high-danger chances, though. 

    In the second period, things got off to a fast start for the Kings. A power-play goal for forward Adrian Kempe tied the game just over three minutes in. After the Kings tied the game on the man advantage, they continued their strong play looking to find the lead. Despite not scoring on some really good opportunities, the Los Angeles Kings were able to draw another penalty sending them to the man advantage. This time on the power play, it was Kings forward Viktor Arvidsson who put one past Ilya Samsonov. A nifty pass from former Montreal Canadiens forward Phillip Danault set up a beautiful goal for the Kings. After taking the lead midway through the second, they scored another five minutes later. This time it was Kings forward Gabriel Vilardi who scored, and Crypto.com Arena jumped! However, before the period ended, Maple Leafs forward Pierre Engvall got one back for the Maple Leafs! Secondary scoring has haunted the Maple Leafs early this season, so it was a good boost for the team heading into the final frame. 

    Going into the third period trailing by one, after getting a boost from your bottom six, you would think the Leafs would carry the momentum in trying to find the equalizer. However, an unfortunate turnover by Maple Leafs defenseman Rasmus Sandin cost the blue and white a goal. Kevin Fiala had a nifty takeaway and made no mistake in finishing his self-created breakaway. After the Kings took back the momentum early, playing with a two goal lead, it was evident the Maple Leafs were starting to get frustrated. Strong goaltending from Kings goaltender Cal Petersen mixed with solid play from the Los Angeles defense, kept the Maple Leafs from scoring. Despite a late goal from Mitch Marner, it was pulled back for a high stick, leading the Kings to finish the job, winning 4-2.

Thanks for reading! For more hockey content, follow my Twitter at @JAns8lmo

2-0? In THIS Economy? Leafs Late Night

WELCOME BACK TO LEAFS LATE NIGHT! Presented by Inside The RinkRoscoe / Biehner – Shots vs Results- Knock On Wood- Domi's Legacy- Roscoe Rant- Stolarz vs GriegNEW MERCH IS AVAILABLE!JOIN OUR DISCORD!Remember to follow us on Twitter @LeafsLateNight & IG @LeafsLateNightCheck out Mike, Josh, and Nathan's articles on the Leafs + many more! insidetherink.comHow to support us and our sponsors:TicketmasterColumbia Sports ApparelESPN+ SubscriptionFanaticsDraft Kings – CODE ITR
  1. 2-0? In THIS Economy?
  2. The Battle of Ontario: Remastered Edition
  3. Saint Joseph Woll
  4. Vanquishing Rivals of Yesteryear
  5. Lawesome-Tawesome

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Joshua Anselmo

A hockey mind that's always looking at new and insightful ways to bring different perspectives of the game we all love.

Leave a Reply

Steve Yzerman, General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings

Yzerman: This Red Wings Team ‘Can Take a Step’

The Detroit Red Wings currently have $12.09 million in salary cap space after the team acquired goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks and acquired free agent left-winger James van Riemsdyk recently. According to general manager Steve Yzerman, the team will likely stand pat right now despite having this amount of cap space. The fact […]

Read More
Tanner Jeannot of the Los Angeles Kings

Player Profile: Tanner Jeannot

Tanner Jeannot was born on May 29, 1997, in Estevan, Saskatchewan. The left-shooting forward played for three seasons with the Estevan Bruins from 2010-13. In his first two seasons with the U15 club, Jeannot scored 29 goals and collected 18 assists in 42 games and five goals and three assists in ten postseason games. Jeannot […]

Read More
Gage Goncalves of the Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning Make Significant Player Signings To Start July

As free agency has started in the National Hockey League, many teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning, are making significant roster moves with free agents and player extensions. Just yesterday, July 1, for day one of free agency, the Lightning extended young 24-year-old Portuguese forward Gage Goncalves to a two-year contract worth $1.2 million a […]

Read More