LA Kings: Three takeaways from Monday’s game against Blues
In the final home game of the 2021 season, the LA Kings lost in overtime to the St. Louis Blues. Here were three takeaways from the contest.
On Fan Appreciation Night at STAPLES Center, the LA Kings could only score one goal against the St. Louis Blues, falling in overtime. The first 40 minutes were generally uneventful, with all the scoring done in the third period or overtime.
Alex Iafallo collected his 13th goal of the season, tying the game at one at the 7:35 mark of the final frame. Justin Faulk and the Blues needed just 46 seconds into overtime to win it, marking three consecutive losses for the Kings.
The Kings will head to Colorado for the final two games of the season, but here were my takeaways from Monday’s game.
1. Lias Andersson fighting for a roster spot, literally
The 22-year-old has been a regular in the lineup for the last couple of weeks. He was recalled from Ontario the same day Quinton Byfield made his debut. While the 2020 second overall pick was limited to just six games, Lias Andersson is trying to win a roster spot for next season already.
Lias Andersson takes exception to Dakota Joshua's hit on Gabe Vilardi and goes after him. #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/4pD55EKDlL
— Rink Royalty (@RinkRoyalty) May 11, 2021
He didn’t tally any points, but Andersson stuck up for Gabe Vilardi, who was hit by Blues forward Dakota Joshua in the second period. Joshua at 6’2″ is quite a bit bigger than Andersson, but the Kings forward didn’t seem intimidated one bit. That type of grit stands out to the coaching staff and players around him.
2. Vilardi with points in four straight games
Gabe Vilardi continues his hot stretch to close the season. The 21-year-old assisted on Iafallo’s goal. Initially, it looked like Vilardi wanted to take the shot from the left dot. He drew just enough attention that Iafallo could skate into the slot and corral the puck before firing the puck into the back of the net.
KUPARI!! First NHL goal. #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/e481M5FB4M
— Rink Royalty (@RinkRoyalty) May 9, 2021
Vilardi has 23 points on the season, tied for sixth-most on the Kings with Athanasiou and Moore. Going back to April 28, the Kingston, Ontario native, has 7 points in his last 8 games.
“I’m playing with two good linemates that both work hard, and I’m able to get the puck, so I can make more plays,” Vilardi said following Monday’s game.
3. Kupari’s confidence continues to build
What a difference in confidence Rasmus Kupari exudes on the ice compared to his first three games. The 21-year-old played in his fifth NHL game on Monday, tallying a 76.9 xGF%, second-best on the team next to Trevor Moore. He showed terrific speed carrying the puck into the Kings attacking zone in the second period, firing a shot on Blues’ netminder Jordan Binnington. Even better, he followed his own shot and had a second look.
Kupari with the speed and a quick release. #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/Qnrhl2i2ke
— Rink Royalty (@RinkRoyalty) May 11, 2021
The loss dropped the Kings to a 21-26-7 record, the ninth-worst winning percentage in the league for those starting to look at the potential NHL Draft order.