3 takeaways from the LA Kings shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks

The Los Angeles Kings entered this game on a high note after an impressive win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night. They were looking to extend their home win streak against a Chicago Blackhawks team who lost five of their last six games entering Saturday.

It looked like the Kings were on their way as they would jump out to a 2-0 lead after Alex Laferriere had one goal in each of the first two periods of the game. However, the Blackhawks turned it around in the third period with three goals, including one in the final 30 seconds of the game, that sent it to overtime.

Neither team would be able to end it in the five minute overtime but the Blackhawks would win it after connecting on all three of their penalty shots while the Kings would score two, with Alex Laferriere being the only one who missed.

These are some notes and takeaways from the Los Angeles Kings' overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Alex Laferriere is playing incredible hockey

While the Kings as a whole have been pretty inconsistent this season, Alex Laferriere has been one of the few things that they have been able to rely on night in and night out. He did that again against the Blackhawks as he had two goals, four in the last three games and leads the Kings with eight.

Earlier this week, I explored the idea of Laferriere leading the Kings in goals this season as he was on pace for 36 goals. At the time, it was tough to imagine he reaching that mark but did think 25-30 was in reach.

He might end up proving me wrong if he continues at this pace.

LA Kings have to get better at closing games out

The Los Angeles Kings are developing a troubling trend of not being able to close out games early in the season. The Kings are currently tied atop the Pacific Division with the Vegas Golden Knights at 15 points however they have overtime losses to the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks in games that they had two goal leads in.

There is an easy case to be made that they should be at 17 points on the season through 12 games, which would put them in the Top 3 of the entire NHL. These two games, combined with giving up two goals to the San Jose Sharks in the third period in the home opener, should be a concern for head coach Jim Hiller.

LA Kings still looking for his first OT win

This was the first time the Los Angeles Kings reached a shootout this season but was their third overtime game this season. Unfortunately, the Kings are still looking for their first win in overtime this season.

In addition to the game today against the Blackhawks, and the overtime loss to the Senators, the Kings also lost in overtime to the Boston Bruins in the second game of the season. The division race is expected to be tight this season and these lost points could loom large later in the year.

The Kings will now go on the road for two games with trips to Nashville to play the Predators and then the Minnesota Wild before returning home for a game against the Vancouver Canucks.