LA Kings Secure Overtime Victory Against San Jose Sharks in Preseason Clash
Pierre-Luc Dubois and Kevin Fiala Shine in Thrilling Showdown
In a thrilling preseason clash, the Los Angeles Kings added another win to their record, defeating the San Jose Sharks 4-3 in an overtime nail-biter.
Pierre-Luc Dubois continued to demonstrate his growing comfort on the Kings’ roster, showcasing impeccable chemistry with Kevin Fiala. The duo wasted no time, connecting for a mesmerizing game-opening goal just eight minutes into the match.
As the first period drew to a close, the Sharks managed to level the playing field with an impressive power-play goal courtesy of Alexander Barabanov, leaving the game tied at one. The second period witnessed a seesaw battle, with Anze Kopitar, on the receiving end of a brilliant assist from Drew Doughty, giving the Kings a 2-1 lead. However, the Sharks quickly responded as Mike Hoffman capitalized on a Tomas Hertl rebound from the left faceoff circle to even the score.
The pattern of the Kings taking an early lead only to see the Sharks claw their way back continued into the third period. Viktor Arvidsson set up Trevor Moore with a precision pass, and Moore delivered with a one-timer that left Mackenzie Blackwood with no chance.
Late in the third period, Thomas Bordeleau seized an opportunity to level the game, capitalizing on a turnover behind the net and receiving a perfectly placed centering pass from William Eklund.
As emotions ran high in this California rivalry, tempers flared in the final moments of the game. A hit on Hertl by Dubois sparked a heated altercation, drawing Kyle Burroughs into the mix. Several players joined the fracas, leading to penalties for Dubois, Fiala, Hertl, and Burroughs.
With the game hanging in the balance, the two teams ventured into overtime. The extra period didn’t last long, though, as Adrian Kempe swiftly settled matters just 17 seconds in. Kempe received a well-timed pass from Doughty near the top of the right circle, glided across the slot, and fired a precise wrist shot over Blackwood’s shoulder, securing the Kings’ victory.
Before launching their regular season campaign on October 11, the LA Kings will face one more preseason test on Saturday. This exhilarating victory against the San Jose Sharks serves as a promising sign for Kings fans, who eagerly await the start of the regular season.
