Kings Can't Hold On To Third-period Lead In Loss To Canadiens

Juraj Slafkovsky scored his 2nd extremity 49 seconds earlier he group up skipper Nick Suzuki for nan tiebreaker pinch 4:33 to play, starring nan Montreal Canadiens’ rally for a 4-3 triumph complete nan Kings connected Saturday night.

Jake Evans besides scored and Jakub Dobes made 35 saves for nan Canadiens, who salvaged nan last extremity of their three-game California roadworthy travel pinch a precocious surge led by their violative stars.

Shortly aft Slafkovsky tied it connected Montreal’s only powerfulness play, Cole Caufield forced a turnover that went from Slafkovsky to Suzuki for a one-timer that slipped underneath Darcy Kuemper’s arm.

Montreal had its NHL-leading 20th comeback triumph 1 nighttime aft making a precocious rally — and past blowing a lead — successful a chaotic 6-5 nonaccomplishment to nan Ducks.

Alex Laferriere scored nan tiebreaking extremity early successful nan 3rd play for nan Kings, who person mislaid 7 of 9 — including 2 of 3 nether interim caput coach D.J. Smith.

Scott Laughton scored successful his debut for nan Kings, who acquired nan halfway successful a waste and acquisition pinch Toronto connected Friday. Kuemper stopped 19 shots.

Captain Anze Kopitar opened nan scoring pinch his seventh extremity precocious successful nan first period. The Kings’ 38-year-old captain, who is retiring this outpouring aft 20 seasons pinch nan Kings, ended his 21-game extremity drought since Dec. 8.

Slafkovsky put Montreal up precocious successful nan 2nd erstwhile he skated successful disconnected nan boards. The 21-year-old Slovak’s first extremity since January was besides his 50th point, making him nan first Canadiens subordinate to grounds 3 50-point seasons earlier turning 22.

The Kings didn’t return a punishment until Trevor Moore went disconnected for slashing pinch 5:53 to play, but Slafkovsky tied it moments later.

Phillip Danault sewage a lukewarm reception during his first crippled successful Los Angeles since nan Kings traded him backmost to Montreal successful December. Danault had 4 coagulated seasons for nan Kings, but past played 30 goalless games this autumn and reportedly requested an exit.

Up adjacent for nan Kings: astatine Columbus connected Monday to unfastened a five-game trip.