The Los Angeles Kings have been struggling to capitalize when they have the man advantage as they had gone 17 straight power play opportunities without a goal. This streak dated all the way back to the game against the Ottawa Senators on October 11th where they lost 8-7 in overtime.
This streak included two power play opportunities in the first period against the Utah Hockey Club but the third time they finally broke the scoreless tie. It would be Brandt Clarke who would get the Kings on the scoreboard after the puck deflected off a Utah hockey player's stick. That was just enough to beat Connor Ingram for the goal.
BC with the PPG pic.twitter.com/w8D1f5lPs8
— LA Kings (@LAKings) October 26, 2024
This would be Clarke's first goal of the season, third goal of his career but his first career power play goal. The goal also makes it back-to-back games for Clarke with at least a point after he had an assist against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.
Can the Los Angeles Kings keep the lead and close the game out?
It was great to see the Los Angeles Kings get the lead but one of the big concerns has been them keeping the lead. There has been a few instances already this season where they get the lead but allow the opposing team to get back into it.
A perfect example is their last game on Thursday night against the San Jose Sharks. It was the home opener and the Kings got out to a big 3-0 lead in the first period. However, wouldn't be able to add to that lead as the Sharks chipped away over the final two periods with two power play goals.
This is absolutely a game the Kings should win but they can't let up and they certainly can't take unnecessary penalties that gives Utah the man advantage.