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Rangers vs Kings: Offense Comes Up Empty in Los Angeles

After starting out their Western road trip in style against the Vegas Golden Knights, this evening wasn’t as kind to the New York Rangers as they fell 3-1 in Los Angeles. The Rangers came out in the game with a strong first period, but gave up a late goal and trailed heading into the intermission. Jonathan Quick stood on his head all night long, and kept the Rangers off of the board until late in the third period.

1st Period

Dustin Brown (7) - Tyler Toffoli (8) & Matt Roy (5) - 19:49 1st Period

Just as it looked like the Rangers were going to head into the locker room deadlocked at zero, the Kings capitalized on a strong shift and took the first lead of the evening. The Rangers wound up getting caught out on an extended shift, and the Kings just continued firing pucks at Henrik Lundqvist. Eventually, one chance finally eluded the Rangers’ coverage, and Dustin Brown shoveled home his seventh of the season on a great pass from Tyler Toffoli.

2nd Period

Tyler Toffoli (7) - Matt Roy (6) & Michael Amadio (6) - 13:22 2nd Period

After setting up the Kings’ first goal, Tyler Toffoli converted on a goal of his own at the 13:22 mark of the second period. A failed clearing attempt by Pavel Buchnevich kept the puck alive in the offensive zone for Los Angeles, and they took advantage yet again. Matt Roy’s point shot gave Henrik Lundqvist some trouble, and the puck wound up rolling down the back of his jersey. Tyler Toffoli was in perfect position to jump on the loose puck, and slammed home the 2-0 lead for the Kings.

3rd Period

Artemiy Panarin (15) PPG - Chris Kreider (8) & Kaapo Kakko (8) - 19:29 3rd Period

With Jonathan Quick shutting down the Rangers all night long, it seemed to get in the Rangers head a bit and they passed up several shooting opportunities. Finally, with about 30 seconds remaining in regulation, the Rangers got on the board with Artemiy Panarin’s 15th of the season. Chris Kreider setup Panarin with slight tap pass following a rebound in front, and Panarin made no mistake on the shot.

Adrian Kempe (4) ENG - Blake Lizotte (8) - 19:45 3rd Period

With a couple of seconds left on the clock, the Rangers attempted to gain the zone for one more chance, but came up empty. Adrian Kempe was able to force on final turnover, and iced the game with 15 seconds remaining.

The frustrating cycle of alternating wins and losses continues for the Rangers, and has now eclipsed the eight game mark. New York will have another opportunity to get back into the win column on Thursday evening as they meetup with the San Jose Sharks.

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