The Los Angeles Kings (12-8-7) are still struggling to score goals offensively after suffering a close 2-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks (12-9-6) and head coach Jeff Blashill on home ice on Thursday night (Dec. 4). Jim Hiller and the Kings dropped a second straight game on home ice this week early in the month of December this regular season.
Los Angeles Kings fall to the Chicago Blackhawks as forward Warren Foegele returns to the lineup for Jim Hiller and Co. on Thursday night
The only goal the Kings scored in this game came in the final frame in the third period, which was scored by winger Trevor Moore on a nice play that winger Warren Foegele made in the offensive zone to beat out an icing call.
Darcy Kuemper was also solid in net for the Kings, stopping well over 90 percent of the shots he faced, including double-digit saves on high-danger scoring chances last night vs. Chicago (per Natural Stat Trick).
Kuemper and Foegele gave their takeaways and reactions to the media yesterday after falling short of the Blackhawks by a close score of 2-1 at home.
For the second time in as many games in the middle of this week, the Kings only scored one goal in regulation against the West in a loss at home in the past few days.
Here's a look at everything Kuemper and Foegele said to the media postgame following the Kings' narrow 2-1 loss to the Blackhawks at home on Dec. 4.
Darcy Kuemper
On the goal the Blackhawks scored late in the second period yesterday against the Kings
"It was a close call, and they came down, and we're able to score late. Our response to it was probably our best 20 of the game, no doubt. No one was feeling sorry for ourselves, and we went out there and could only get one, not two."
On what's missing for the team right now for the Kings
"When pucks aren't going in, I feel for the guys right now. I don't think it feels great for them. It's probably wearing on them a little bit. And I think just confidence is the biggest thing. Once they start going in, guys will start feeling better, and we'll start scoring a lot more."
On how Chicago plays and moves the puck offensively
"A lot of young skill. They're dangerous. When you make mistakes, they're coming right at you right away. Obviously, a lot of young talent, and they play fast, make plays, and they're definitely challenging."
On playing Chicago again at Crypto Arena this Saturday night this weekend
"Definitely a rare situation. Doesn't happen a whole lot during the season. Especially two at home. We'll regroup and learn from the game and be ready for the next one on Saturday."
Warren Foegele
On the frustration of the offense struggling in the game yesterday vs. Chicago
"I don’t know if the first 40 was our best and we pushed hard in the in the last 20, but it’s hard to win games like that, right? We’ve been on the right side of it but we’ve also been on the wrong side of it with these one-goal games. I think the disappointing thing is that we just, we weren’t really connected in the first two periods and it definitely bit us."
On the team struggling to score offensively recently this fall
"I think this game, a lot of it has to do with confidence. When pucks aren’t going in, for a stretch there, it definitely wears on guys in the room. And, you can’t feel sorry for yourself, you’ve just got to keep it simple, go to the net and you just hope that one goes off your butt or your chest, or something like that. There’s not much room out there, but you’ve just got to work hard and find a way."
On the goal he assisted by Trevor Moore in the game's third period yesterday
"Mooresie got it in there deep and I won the 50/50 and made a play on it, and fortunate enough that it went in. The game is about 50/50s. You win your puck battles, you give yourself a chance. Pretty direct play as well. So the more we can do that, the more chances we can get seconds and thirds."
On playing his first game back yesterday vs. Chicago
"I think I got better as the game went on, but it definitely felt nice to be back out there. Disappointed with the result, but the good thing is we played these guys in a few nights, and we got to bring our best."
On the team taking control of the momentum on the ice in the third period
"One thing I noticed from watching games is it feels like when we’re down goals, we’re really more on our toes. I felt like last year, that was a lot of our success was being on our toes. I don’t know if we’re trying to sit back or anything like that, but it feels like when we’re trailing we keep things much simpler and we’re trying to score a goal. So, maybe if we have that mindset to start the game, it might be a lot easier for us."