Jets Fall to Kings for First Road Loss of Season
Adrian Kempe scored his 200th NHL career goal, and Drew Doughty set a new Los Angeles record for goals by a defenseman as the Kings defeated the Winnipeg Jets 3-0 on Tuesday night. Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves, while Kevin Fiala added a late power-play goal to secure the Kings' first home victory of the season in six games.
Connor Hellebuyck also made 23 saves for the Jets, who suffered their first road loss in five attempts. Kempe’s goal came late in the first period when he attacked the crease and finished Joel Armia’s centering pass from the trapezoid, marking his sixth goal this season.
"Kempe is the ninth member of the 2014 draft class to reach 200 goals, achieving this milestone in 644 games."
Doughty broke the franchise record for goals by a defenseman when he scored his 162nd goal in 1,221 games, adding an empty-net goal with 54 seconds left in the game.
The Kings made strategic lineup changes, moving Armia to the top line and reuniting Mikey Anderson with longtime partner Doughty on the first defensive pairing. These adjustments paid off immediately, with Armia and Anderson assisting Kempe’s goal.
"Kings forward Corey Perry played in his 1,400th career game, becoming the 44th player in NHL history to reach this milestone."
Perry joins an elite group of active players including Brent Burns (1,511 games), Alex Ovechkin (1,503), and Anze Kopitar (1,464).
Author’s summary: The Kings earned their first home win with standout performances from Kempe and Doughty, who set personal milestones while defeating the Jets 3-0.