Adrian Kempe and the Los Angeles Kings came up just shy of beating the Winnipeg Jets in a tightly-contested third-period battle this afternoon at Canada Life Centre in Manitoba this weekend. The Kings had the lead by a score of 2-1 at one point in the second period.
A two-goal second period isn't enough to get Adrian Kempe and the Los Angeles Kings over the hump vs. Winnipeg this weekend
But the Jets came back and hung around long enough to score the game-winning goal in the third period on a tip-in goal from veteran Mark Scheifele in clutch time.
Both goals scored by the Kings came in the second period, including markers from defenseman Mikey Anderson and Kempe in the span of under 10 minutes in the middle frame today.
Kempe and Anderson gave their thoughts postgame and what they could take away from this loss to the Jets on Saturday.
Here's a look at everything Kempe and Anderson said following the 3-2 loss to the Jets on the road on Oct. 11.
Adrian Kempe
On the Kings' slow start today vs. Winnipeg
"I think at the start we weren't really sharp enough. I think they were way better than in the first period, and then I think we answered in the second period. I thought we took a step in the right direction. I thought we were the better team in the second period, and then the third period was a little back and forth. I think we still did some good things. But yeah, overall I think pretty even game. Usually how it goes in here. I mean one goal difference, which is obviously tough."
"Feel like we're in the game. We had the lead, and then we're tied for a little bit there. So I think this one stinks for sure."
On the momentum the Kings' built from the penalty kill after the first period
I think everybody was not quite happy with the first period overall. So that was something we we're talking about going into the second period. I think everybody did a much better job but obviously you can get a lot of momentum from both power plays and PKs, and that was one of the PKs where we had a lot of chances could have scored one hit the post. There were a couple of other good chances, and we just kept it going from there."
On taking too many penalties in the first period
"I think penalties are definitely a factor. I think we talked about it after the last couple of games. You know, it's definitely a momentum killer sometimes, especially for the guys that are maybe not PK'ing. You don't get in the flow early in the game, and that's something that you want to as well, especially going into an early game on the road here. That's something we got to clean up."
On how the power play looked today
"Yeah, first one I think was a waste. We couldn't get in on the breakouts or anything, but then after that, I think we did the right thing. Shot the puck. They have one of, if not the best, goalies in the league over there. It's hard to get pucks past him. I think we did some really good things. We shot the puck. We had traffic. The power play has been positive so far this season."
On any building blocks the team can learn from this game vs. Winnipeg
"Yeah, for sure. And you're looking at last season, where we were as a team. I think we showed up in the second period. We just rolled over oneline after each other. Not too much thinking, just playing off instincts and working hard and doing the things that we've been talking about all the time. It's simple things, but it works."
Mikey Anderson
On his reaction to the loss today to Winnipeg
"Slow start, obviously. We knew they were coming out hard, they always do here, especially looking and seeing their first game didn’t go so well, so you knew they were going to have a push. We obviously didn’t help ourselves, taking a lot of penalties right away, but good fight back. Just comes down to a bounce either way, and unfortunately, we didn’t get it done."
On the slow start with penalties and a sluggish first period
"Obviously, a slow start can lead to the penalties but once you get that, you lose probably at least half the forwards, maybe a couple d-men, that’s a lot of time sitting there, so it’s hard for them to get back into it. I thought it was a good response by everyone coming back out in second."
On the shifting tide of momentum in the second and third periods
"One of those goes in, you get a little more momentum, but obviously it’s a good thing to see. Feels good, makes you feel a little more on your toes than sitting back. Give them credit, though, they were sharp on the power play. They were zipping it around, they had some good looks, Darce with some saves, but it kind of feels like you’re playing catch up. It’s nice to feel like you’re in control for a little bit."
On the goal he scored in the second period for the Kings
"Normally, I don’t think many d-men try and pick corners from back there, I try and get it by the first guy and then from there, maybe we have a guy there to tip it, maybe we don’t, but you look see if there’s anyone around the net and try and just get something down there."
On what he and the Kings can learn from the loss to Winnipeg today
"I mean top to bottom, we weren’t very clean in the first. Part of that again, maybe no rhythm, but once we got going, maybe forwards putting pucks in, and forechecking a little bit more, maybe that’s from us giving them more time to make some plays. I thought it’s good for the group to maybe watch that, build from it, getting pucks in, forechecking, getting them back and trying to play direct."