The Los Angeles Kings currently have a five-game win streak that they kept intact after a 1-0 victory in overtime over the Nashville Predators. While they have been winning, they haven't necessarily been dominant performances as two games were won in overtime, one was a 6-5 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. The other two games, a 4-1 win over the New York Islanders and a 3-0 win over the Washington Capitals, look like pretty comfortable wins but both weren't decided until the third period.
The margin of victory has been rather small and fortunately for the Kings, it has worked out in their favor. There has been plenty talked about, from Quinton Byfield's six-game goal streak or Darcy Kuemper with back-to-back shutouts during this win streak. However, there is one thing that hasn't been discussed as much and it is a big reason for them winning the last five games.
Los Angeles Kings penalty kill has been elite and a deciding factor in these games
The Los Angeles Kings haven't necessarily done a great job limiting penalties, but when they do go a man down, they have been able to shut down the opposition. During this five-game win streak, the Kings have had to go on the penalty kill 19 times and have allowed only one goal, which occurred in the game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Recently, they have killed off 15 consecutive penalties including eight against the Islanders and five against the Capitals. It hasn't been perfect and the Kings have needed some luck as the Islanders did score twice on power plays, but those goals were waived off.
A big part of the Kings' penalty kill has been Mikey Anderson, as he played 11:46 short-handed against the Islanders and followed that up with 6:30 in the game against the Capitals.
On the season, the Kings have a penalty kill percentage of 82.4% which is tied for the fifth best in the league. However, the Rangers are only slightly ahead of them at 82.5%, and the Devils are just ahead of them at 82.6%. It wouldn't be surprising if they continue playing like this that they would move ahead of both teams.
The Los Angeles Kings absolutely need to try to limit the penalties against them to avoid being short-handed during games. However, it hasn't really cost them much as they have been able to continue to win with an elite penalty kill group.