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LA Kings are shutout for a second consecutive game

By Mary Coyne

Feb 7, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates with the puck as Los Angeles Kings defenseman Derek Forbort (24) defends during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates with the puck as Los Angeles Kings defenseman Derek Forbort (24) defends during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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67. 5. 23. Final. 0

After an impressive 5-game winning streak, the LA Kings were shutout in Tampa for a 2nd consecutive game Tuesday night, losing 5-0.

Time is running out for LA if they hope to reach the NHL playoffs.

Despite being blown out on Sunday at Washington, they entered Tuesday’s game leading the Western Conference wild-card race.

They now trail Calgary by one point.

It was a long night for King goalie Peter Budaj and his defense certainly didn’t help.

Budaj, having posted consecutive shutouts last week giving him a league-leading seven, has now given up nine goals in his last five periods.

Coach Darryl Sutter pulled the goalie after allowing four goals in 2 periods.

Said Sutter of his goalie:

"“He wasn’t very good. The first goal and the fifth goals are bad goals. He’s a veteran also. He needs to be better.”"

So what’s the problem with Budaj? Fatigue may play a part.

Since star goalie Jonathan Quick went out with an injury at the beginning of the season, Budaj has played in 47 games, the most he has played in his 8 seasons in the NHL.

What’s the excuse for the rest of the team?

The Kings came out fast and furious in the first period with 19 shots on goal but just like in previous games, they fizzled in the second period.

Nikita Kucherov scored twice during the wild three-goal second period and the Kings could not recover.

Goalie Ben Bishop came up big for the Lightning with 28 saves and the team won consecutive games for the first time since December 20-22.

It’s hard to find any bright spots for the Kings after this one – but here goes:

Goalie Jonathan Quick accompanied the team for the first time since pulling his groin in the season opener. Quick has been practicing with the team and is slated to return to the lineup in three weeks.

Coach Daryl Sutter coached his 397th game with the Kings moving him past Bob Pulford for sole possession of second place on the franchise list.

The Kings have a day off in South Florida on Wednesday. Maybe some beach time will re-energize and help refocus this team.

Next: Tarik Black Earns Starting Role

They complete their four-game trip Thursday night against the Florida Panthers.

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