Full Breakdown
Kings Secure Victory Over Blues in Thrilling Shootout
1/25/2026, 6:04:51 AM
Game Overview
On January 24, 2026, the Los Angeles Kings faced off against the St. Louis Blues at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. This matchup marked the beginning of a crucial six-game road trip for the Kings, who entered the game with a record of 20 wins, 16 losses, and 13 overtime losses. The Blues, on the other hand, were struggling with a record of 19 wins, 24 losses, and 8 overtime losses.
Key Players and Performances
Trevor Moore, returning from an upper-body injury that sidelined him for 11 games, played a pivotal role in the Kings' 5-4 victory. He scored the deciding goal in the shootout and added a goal in regulation, marking his 100th NHL goal. Other notable performances included Alex Laferriere and Taylor Ward, who each contributed a goal, while defenseman Brian Dumoulin also scored his first goal of the season. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 25 saves, helping the Kings extend their unbeaten streak to five games.
For the Blues, Jordan Kyrou stood out with two goals, while Brayden Schenn and Dalibor Dvorsky each added a goal. Despite the loss, the Blues showcased resilience, rallying from a two-goal deficit to tie the game late in the third period.
Game Flow and Critical Moments
The Kings took an early lead with a goal from Taylor Ward just over four minutes into the first period. Brian Dumoulin followed with a goal early in the second period, putting the Kings up 2-0. However, the Blues responded quickly, scoring three goals in a span of less than six minutes to take a 3-2 lead. The Kings managed to tie the game at 3-3 with Laferriere's goal before Moore's crucial rebound goal gave them a 4-3 advantage.
With just over two minutes remaining in regulation, Kyrou scored his second goal to tie the game at 4-4, forcing the match into a shootout. In the shootout, Moore's decisive goal and Kuemper's save against Jimmy Snuggerud secured the victory for the Kings.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Kings' defenseman Cody Ceci emphasized the importance of the road trip, stating, “It’s a very important chunk of games... we’ve just got to take it one at a time.” Goaltender Darcy Kuemper noted the significance of starting strong, saying, “We want to put ourselves in a good spot coming out of the break.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, the Kings have faced criticism for their inconsistency, particularly in capitalizing on opportunities against teams missing key players. Ceci acknowledged this challenge, reflecting on past games where the Kings failed to take advantage of similar situations.
What's Next
The Kings will continue their road trip with a matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, while the Blues will host the Dallas Stars. Both teams are looking to improve their standings as the season progresses.
This victory not only boosts the Kings' morale but also sets a positive tone for the remainder of their road trip, which could be defining for their season.
