Sunday, May 8, 2022. 9:06 PM
This season, Phillip Danault has proven he can be an important offensive weapon for the Kings. The former Canadiens contributed to the Kings’ first goal with a superb fake out past Mike Smith, before putting it back for Trevor Moore, who completed in an open net. This is already a fourth point in as many games for Danault in the playoffs.
Later in the engagement, a shot from defender Troy Stecher found the back of the net after deflecting off Duncan Keith’s stick in front of the net, giving LA a double lead.
LA continued their good work early in the second period. The Kings got a good scoring opportunity, but Brandon Lemieux was unable to push the puck into the back of the net to increase the priority to three goals.
The Kings offered a power forward to Edmonton later in the middle period. Danault, however, managed to escape, but it was Smith who had the upper hand over the Quebecer. Danault then demonstrated all the versatility of his game with a good defensive withdrawal to counter Leon Draisaitl.
Pre-game notes
The playoffs had started well for the Kings with a Game 1 win over the Oilers.
However, things took a turn for the worse for LA, who suffered two setbacks of 6-0 and 8-2 in the next two games to lose control of the series.
In addition to being able to count on an attack in great shape, everything is going like clockwork in front of the Edmonton net. Mike Smith is unstoppable and has a 2.02 goals-against average and .946 save percentage.
The Oilers haven’t won a series since the 2016-17 season, when they beat the San Jose Sharks in six games. With a victory Sunday, they would have the opportunity to finish with the Kings on Tuesday, in front of their supporters.