The Los Angeles Kings are trying to extend their win streak and their game on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils was going to be a big test for them. It had been a relatively quiet back and forth contest between the two teams for all of the first period and most of the second.
However, that all changed due to defenseman Jordan Spence as he made plays on both ends of the ice. It initially started on the defensive end as he was able to break up a 2-on-1 by the Devils and the Kings were able to get the puck up the ice.
They would carry the puck into the offensive zone and Alex Laferriere would pass the puck back across the ice as Spence was set up for a one-timer that he was able to get it past Jacob Markstrom. This is now his second goal on the season and he hasn't scored a goal since October 24th.
What a shift from Spenny 💪 pic.twitter.com/BqdkDTxS6I
— LA Kings (@LAKings) December 13, 2024
Jordan Spence was expected to have a big season and an even bigger role after Drew Doughty was injured during the preseason. However, his performance was very inconsistent until he was paired with Jacob Moverare recently. During this six-game win streak playing alongside Moverare, Spence has a +/- of 5 after having a +/- of -1 in the 21 games prior.
New Jersey Devils answer back against the Los Angeles Kings before the end of the second period
The Kings lead against the Devils was short-lived as Jack Hughes was able to get one past David Rittich before the end of the second period as the teams go into the final period tied at one. This has been a great test for the Kings and it has been a pretty even game with neither team really getting an advantage.
It will be interesting to see how the Kings respond early in the third period after giving up the goal late in the period prior.