Golden Knights Stumble Against Kings, Seek Redemption Thursday

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2025 — The Vegas Golden Knights faltered in a crucial Pacific Division matchup, ceding four goals in the third period to lose 5-2 to the Los Angeles Kings Monday at Crypto.com Arena. With this defeat, the Knights’ grasp on first place in the division is now tenuous, as they sit just two points ahead of the Edmonton Oilers.

The Golden Knights entered the third period leading 2-1 following goals from captain Mark Stone and defenseman Brayden McNabb in the second. However, a series of turnovers allowed the Kings to stage a dramatic comeback. “We played losing hockey from then on,” said Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, emphasizing the need to improve puck management.

After a strong start, the Knights struck first when Quinton Byfield’s deflected shot gave the Kings a 1-0 edge. They retaliated in the second as McNabb tied the game with a slap shot, followed by Stone’s goal that had fans believing they would secure the win.

Yet, just 42 seconds into the third period, the Kings’ Trevor Moore scored, tying the game and shifting the momentum decisively. The Kings capitalized on defensive lapses from the Knights, culminating in goals from Warren Foegele, Joel Edmundson, and Kevin Fiala.

“We need to close out games if we expect to get anywhere. It should be a strength of ours,” Cassidy added. Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov allowed five goals on just 19 shots, a stark contrast to the Kings’ efficiency in the final frame.

As the Knights head into Thursday’s homestand against the Chicago Blackhawks, who currently hold the second-worst record in the NHL, players know they must improve. “We shot ourselves in the foot,” said McNabb. “It’s a bad loss for us.”

The Golden Knights are focused on correcting their mistakes from the Kings game. Center Brett Howden acknowledged the need for the team to learn from this experience. “I don’t think we can just flush the Kings game. We have to recognize it and we’ve got to be better from it,” he said.

Wednesday’s practice was aimed at refining the details that went awry during the game. Cassidy reported that key players who participated in the 4 Nations Face-Off were given an additional recovery day while the rest of the team prepared to welcome back former Knight Alec Martinez.

Looking ahead, the Knights (34-18-6) are determined to reclaim their momentum. Coach Cassidy expressed optimism about their potential. “I still feel we’re in a better spot than we were at this point last year,” he stated, aware of the challenges ahead as they aim for their fourth Pacific Division title in eight seasons.

In their last matchup about a month ago on Jan. 18, the Golden Knights suffered a defeat to the Blackhawks in one of their worst performances of the season. The 17-34-7 Blackhawks, who recently lost to the Utah Hockey Club, will be looking to capitalize on the Knights’ recent struggles.