The Los Angeles Kings were looking for their fifth straight win on Saturday against the Nashville Predators. They had already got a gift from the Buffalo Sabres earlier in the day, who beat the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime so a win would help the Kings get just a little bit closer to the division leader.
One of the fears entering tonight was that this game would be somewhat of a trap game for the Kings after an impressive win over the Washington Capitals and with another game against a playoff team on Monday in the Minnesota Wild. They might overlook a Nashville Predators team that has struggled this season and based on the game, that might have been the case.
It was a rather disjointed performance from a Kings team that never really seemed to threaten the Predators much in the offensive zone. They would go over 10 minutes to begin the game without a shot on net, finishing with only 21 shots on net the entire game and being shut out on three power play attempts.
Fortunately for the Kings, the Predators seemed to struggle equally, and they would only get 24 shots on net and go 0 for 2 on power play attempts. Neither team could be the goaltenders, and they would go to overtime with the game tied at zero.
Quinton Byfield extends goal streak and secures the win for the Los Angeles Kings
There was only one goal scored all night and it seemed appropriate that it would be Quinton Byfield who would end up with that goal. The former second overall pick has been on an incredible hot streak and has now scored a goal in six straight games.
It is rather remarkable to see Byfield having this stretch, especially considering how he started the season. He didn't have his sixth goal of the season until the 33rd game, which just so happened to be against the Nashville Predators. However, he has now had a goal in six straight games and 17 on the season.
The Kings will now go on the road for two straight road games with the first on Monday night against the Wild before their game on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The win tonight gives them 81 points on the season, one ahead of the Edmonton Oilers and only five back of the Vegas Golden Knights which puts the Pacific Division but also home ice in the playoffs within reach down the stretch.