The LA Kings, after a crazy 48 hours, got a much-needed two points against the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night.

Goal Breakdown

1st period:

ARI: Christian Fischer (4), ASST: Unassisted

LAK: PP Anze Kopitar (6), ASST: Gabriel Vilardi (6), Kevin Fiala (20)

2nd period:

ARI: Matias Maccelli (2), ASST: Troy Stecher (2), Dylan Guenther (7)

ARI: Nick Bjugstad (5), ASST: Dylan Guenther (8), Matias Maccelli (13)

LAK: PP Trevor Moore (7), ASST: Viktor Arvidsson (14), Sean Durzi (11)

LAK: Carl Grundstrom (6), ASST: Samuel Fagemo (1), Jaret Anderson-Dolan (2)

3rd period:

LAK: Anze Kopitar (7), ASST: Drew Doughty (15), Tobias Bjornfot (1)

LAK: EN Kevin Fiala (8), ASST: Adrian Kempe (8)

The Captain steps up

Tuesday’s 9-8 overtime loss to the Kraken brought another low to a season that has been an inconsistent one for the LA Kings. After a crazy 48 hours, it almost felt like Thursday night’s game was a must-win game for LA. When you need a win, your best players have to step up. The captain, Anze Kopitar, certainly did that by recording his first multi-goal game of the season.

As you see above, that is a vintage Anze Kopitar move that ended up being the game-winner. A good game from the captain, indeed.

Fagemo and Bjornfot earn a point

Samuel Fagemo and Tobias Bjornfot have had solid seasons for the Ontario Reign. After being called up the morning of yesterday’s game, both got put into the starting lineup. Fagemo played on the fourth line with Grundstrom and Anderson-Dolan, while Bjornfot was paired with Roy on the second defense pair.

Fagemo only had 7:02 of ice time, but he did earn the primary assist making a simple breakout pass that allowed Grundstrom to tie the game on a 2-on-1 chance. Bjornfot had a quiet but solid night. The 21-year-old played 18:53 of ice time, which was third-most among LA Kings defensemen. If Rob Blake doesn’t trade for a left-handed defenseman, I’d like to see Bjornfot get more games and have Sean Durzi play on his strong side.

Find your identity

Let’s be honest, the LA Kings haven’t looked like a team that has an identity this year. In fact, it’s been all over the place where even in wins, they didn’t play well. The Kings found themselves trailing 3-1 halfway through the second period, and it was looking like another horrible outcome was on the horizon.

However, the Kings rebounded and ended the period tied at three. In the third, the Kings allowed only one shot on goal and defended really well when Arizona made their push in the final five minutes. They kept everything to the outside and didn’t give up any high-danger chances. Going forward, that third-period effort will need to continue going forward. It’s what made them a successful team last season.

UP NEXT: The Kings conclude their four-game homestand Saturday as they take on the Carolina Hurricanes. The game can be seen on Bally Sports West at 7:30 PM PST.

Featured image: Juan Ocampo/Getty Images

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