Adrian Kempe and the Los Angeles Kings (3-3-2) left the Lone Star State with two points and a big win over the Dallas Stars (3-3-1) at American Airlines Center on Thursday night (Oct. 23). Kempe scored the overtime goal for the Kings for his second game-winning goal in as many games for the Kings this week.
Los Angeles Kings have won two games in a row, thanks to a couple of clutch overtime goals from Adrian Kempe
The Kings also got the first goal of the season from defenseman Cody Ceci, who rocketed one past Jake Oettinger and the Stars in the second period yesterday.
Jim Hiller and the Kings are off to a solid start to this crucial five-game road trip in the West this week. Key players like Kempe, Kevin Fiala, and Darcy Kuemper have really stepped up and helped the Kings get on the right side of the win column to build momentum in the West and the Pacific Division on this road trip.
The media got to ask questions to Ceci, Kempe, and Fiala postgame after the huge win on the road over the Stars yesterday.
This was the first time that more than a couple of Kings players spoke to the media after a win on the road this regular season.
Here's a look at everything Kings' players told the media postgame following the 3-2 overtime win on the road over the Stars at American Airlines Center on Oct. 23.
Adrian Kempe
On scoring the goal in overtime to beat the Stars
"I felt like the d-man was shifting over and the forward who was backchecking wasn’t really there, so I was expecting it, it was a great pass, not a great shot but it worked out, so I’m really happy with that."
On the Kings getting back to their defensive roots and identity
"It’s taken a lot of energy, but when you get the wins, it feels so much better. I think we’ve been grinding out pretty much every game all season, but that’s the way it’s going to be. I think the last 2-3 games here, we’ve been really showing up with a good identity and a grinding game. We’ve just got to keep that going."
On the contract situation with the Kings
"For me, the focus right now is just on the team and playing games. We’ve got so many games coming up, I haven’t really thought about that, I’m just focusing on playing. Like I’ve said before, I love all my teammates, everybody in LA, all the fans and everything. My intent is to stay and hopefully we can get it done."
Kevin Fiala
On the team grinding it out for a win vs. Dallas
"They came hard, again and we had a bad start, honestly. Got to be better next time, just play full 60 minutes. They outworked us and outcompeted us, in my opinion, in the start, and then I think we woke up a little bit there and Kuemps. Overall, we got the win. So, even days when we don’t feel it, we still can work hard and we did, in my opinion. It’s a good win."
On the power play goal before the first intermission from Corey Perry
"I thought that was huge. They really were on us, we didn’t have much in the start, so with the PP, it was a little bit of an icebreaker for us. Get that goal and have the lead and also a little bit more confidence and just playing with the lead is a little nicer."
On the impact Corey Perry has on the Kings' power play
"Great reaction by him. I shot it and it was like right in the net. He’s the best net front guy in the league, forever, so happy to have him. He’s not scared of pucks. He stands in that front, makes plays, he’s done it all. So, very excited to have him here."
Cody Ceci
On the Kings closing strong in the third period and in overtime vs. Dallas
"I thought we just buckled down. We knew what was on the line; we knew it was going to be a close one tonight. It wasn’t necessarily a bunch of tic-tac-toe plays going on; we were kind of in each other’s faces all night. We just buckled down and got it to overtime, and then from there, let our skill guys take over."
On the goal he scored in the second period
"Just a fortunate bounce for me. Bourquey was coming out to block it, it hit his stick, and kind of changed directions on Oetter. I’ve just been shooting a lot of pucks lately, trying to get him to the net, and sometimes they go in."
On the play of Darcy Kuemper in net for the Kings
"He was huge tonight. He was huge on the kill, he was huge in the second period, making some big saves. Without him, I don’t think we got the two points tonight."