Artemi Panarin scored twice and Brandt Clarke netted the game-winning goal in overtime to lead the Los Angeles Kings to a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday night. The win marked the Kings’ second consecutive victory after an 0-6 start to the season. Prior to Tuesday’s win over Washington, Los Angeles was the last NHL team without a victory this season.
Despite the favorable result, the Kings were outplayed for much of the contest. The Islanders outshot Los Angeles 43-26, testing Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper throughout. Kuemper made 41 saves but struggled somewhat with rebound control. He was beaten on a power-play goal by rookie Victor Eklund just under six minutes before the second period ended, and later surrendered a wrist shot from Matthew Schaefer early in the third period. Clarke’s overtime goal with 2:18 remaining secured the victory after sustained pressure from Los Angeles.
The Kings were without veteran forward Quinton Byfield, who sustained an upper-body injury during Tuesday’s game against Washington and is currently listed as day to day, having missed Thursday’s morning skate.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the Devils defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 to earn their second straight win. Arseny Gritsyuk and Nico Hischier each scored in the first period, both notching their fifth goals of the season. Nico Daws, starting in goal for New Jersey, stopped 16 shots to help maintain the early lead. Anthony Mantha extended the Devils’ advantage late in the third period, and Jack Hughes added an empty-net goal in the closing seconds. Tim Washe tallied the lone goal for Anaheim, whose losing streak reached five games. Ducks goaltender Ville Husso made 25 saves in the loss.
Off the ice, a major goaltending trade was finalized as Connor Hellebuyck was dealt from the Winnipeg Jets to the New Jersey Devils. The deal sent center Dawson Mercer, goalie Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command, forward Nick Bjugstad, a 2029 second-round draft pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Winnipeg in exchange for Hellebuyck. The trade resolves months of uncertainty surrounding Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner who had requested a move and recently was suspended by Winnipeg after failing to report to training camp. Hellebuyck, 33, spent his entire 11-year career with the Jets and was instrumental in the United States’ gold medal win at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Elsewhere, Washington Capitals defenseman Vincent Desharnais is expected to miss four to six weeks following a successful appendectomy.