Rewind: Columbus Blue Jackets fall to L.A. Kings, fourth straight loss

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Rewind: Columbus Blue Jackets fall to L.A. Kings, fourth straight loss

Brian Hedger, Columbus Dispatch · The Columbus Dispatch

Mon, Nov 11, 2024 ·

16 min read

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The Blue Jackets dropped their fourth straight game in a 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles .

Nov 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Justin Danforth (17) skates with the puck during the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

It's also their second loss in a row to start a four-game West Coast road trip that has games left Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks (8 p.m.) and Tuesday night in Seattle .

Here's a blog roll with updates and analysis from before and during the game:

FINAL: Los Angeles Kings 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Despite getting off to a good start and scoring the game's first goal, the Blue Jackets lost their 1-0 lead early in the second and never pulled even again while losing their fourth straight game (0-3-1).

Elvis Merzlikins takes the goaltending loss for Columbus, which got its goals from Dmitri Voronkov and Ivan Provorov . David Rittich gets the win in net for the Kings, whose goals were scored by Vladislav Gavrikov , Warren Foegele , Trevor Lewis , Alex Laferriere and Clarke.

"I'm not saying we gave goals (away), because they took advantage of some stuff, but the first goal we turn it over, the second goal we make a huge (defensive) mistake and the third goal we turn it over," Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason said during the FanDuel Sports Network postgame show. "That's three goals, and when we've got a 1-0 lead, in key areas of the ice we have to make the right reads or clearly not turn the puck over in key areas of the ice, in order to (not) give teams momentum to come back after us ... and we did that here tonight."

GOAL, 3rd 19:30 (PP): Los Angeles Kings 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Brandt Clarke seals it for the Kings with a power-play goal scored into an empty net from the high slot. Disappointing finish for the Blue Jackets, who had a 1-0 lead to start this game.

3rd period, 15:07: Los Angeles Kings 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

The Kings are putting on a clinic in how to protect late leads, completely stifling the Blue Jackets' offense with great stick checks and swarming to the puck in all three zones. They've also closed off the middle third of the ice in their own zone and neutral zone for the last five minutes.

GOAL, 3rd period 7:05: Los Angeles Kings 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

The Kings regain a two-goal margin on a deflection goal by Alex Laferriere, who just got his stick on a shot from the point by defenseman Joel Edmundson . It's going to be a real uphill slog for the Blue Jackets now, trailing 4-2 against a big, heavy, defensive team that can make life difficult in the middle of the ice.

The goal is Laferriere's team-leading ninth of the season.

GOAL, 3rd period 0:49 (PPG): Los Angeles Kings 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

It only takes the Jackets 19 seconds to get the Moore shorty back, pulling back within a goal when Provorov slides down to the low slot to bang away at his own rebound until he nets his first goal of the season. Second assist of the game for Danforth, whose flubbed shot created the initial juicy rebound Provorov sent into the blue paint for his follow-up effort. Fantilli gets the second apple on the power-play goal for the Jackets' second unit.

GOAL, 3rd period 0:30 (SH): Los Angeles Kings 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Not the start the Blue Jackets needed at all. Trevor More hops on a turnover, skates it down and puts a shot from a sharp angle on the left wing past Merzlikins into the far corner for a two-goal lead. Ugly.

3rd period start: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Nov 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier (24) and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Andreas Englund (5) fight during the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The puck is back in play out in Los Angeles, where the Blue Jackets get 1:40 of time on a power play to see if they can knot this game up quickly. After scoring six goals in each of their first four wins this season, they've scored just six goals in their past three-plus games.

2nd intermission: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Just as expected, the Kings charged out of the locker room after the first intermission and popped a couple goals into the Blue Jackets' net quickly to take a one goal lead. Vladislav Gavrikov netted the first one against his friend and former Blue Jackets teammate, Merzlikins, and Warren Foegele ― surprisingly a gritty NHL forward and not a classic American folk singer — scored the second.

2nd period, 19:40: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

The Kings now go a man down after Samuel Helenius is sent off with 19.8 seconds left in the second for cross-checking Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski .

The Blue Jackets put two shots on net before time ran out in the period, but Rittich stopped both Werenski and Sean Monahan to keep L.A. ahead by a goal with a period left to play. Columbus has 1:40 of power-play time left starting the second.

2nd period, 15:29: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Nov 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) skates against Los Angeles Kings center Samuel Helenius (79) during the first period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Another big penalty kill for the Blue Jackets springs Adam Fantilli from the penalty box after his delay-of-game penalty for putting the puck out of play from the defensive zone. The Kings only put one shot on net during the man-advantage, which made Columbus 3-for-3 killing penalties tonight.

2nd period, 9:06: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier and Kings defenseman Andreas Englund went after a loose puck behind the Kings' net and wound up in a tussle afterward.

It looked like Olivier sensed an opportunity to nix the Kings' momentum to start this second period and offered an invitation Englund couldn't refuse. The scrap didn't amount to much, but Olivier wound up on top at the end. Both serving their time in the box.

2nd period, 7:03: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Rittich comes up huge with a pad stop to deny Cole Sillinger off a breakaway chance that could've tied it up. Sillinger likes to shoot for the five hole in breakaway scenarios, but Rittich sniffed this one out in time to give the Kings an emotional lift.

GOAL, 2nd period 6:12: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Warren Foegele puts L.A. up 2-1 off a great pass from Akil Thomas , who scooped the puck off a turnover in the neutral zone and quickly turned it back toward the Blue Jackets' net. Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek got caught up ice, giving the Kings an odd-man rush against Merzlikins.

GOAL, 2nd period 4:16: Columbus Blue Jackets 1, Los Angeles Kings 1

Who else would ties this up for the Kings than Vladislav Gavrikov, who was Merzlikins' closest friend during his time with the Blue Jackets. The Kings defenseman wristed one past his buddy over the glove side shoulder and under the crossbar through traffic early in the second.

Gavrikov unleashed his patented "cellphone" goal celebration while Merzlikins let out his frustration with a shout.

2nd period start: Columbus Blue Jackets 1, Los Angeles Kings 0

The puck is down in LaLa land with the Blue Jackets up by a goal in their quest to top the Kings and end a three-game skid.

1st intermission: Columbus Blue Jackets 1, Los Angeles Kings 0

Columbus takes a slim one-goal margin into the locker room for the first break, powered by Merzlikins' six saves and Voronkov's goal late in the period.

As far as shots got, there wasn't a lot of action in the first 20 minutes. That's a good thing for the Blue Jackets, who'd like to keep building on their play in the defensive zone from the OT loss Tuesday in San Jose .

Columbus won the advanced metrics battle in the opening period with 55.6% of the 5-on-5 shot attempts (10-8), 53.9% of the unblocked attempts (7-6), 71.4% of the shots on goal (5-2), 75% of the high-danger chances (3-1) and 69.5% of expected goals (0.61-0.27).

Expect the Kings to come out with a strong push to start the second.

GOAL, 1st period 13:26: Columbus Blue Jackets 1, Los Angeles Kings 0

The Blue Jackets get the scoring started with Dmitri Voronkov's first goal of the season. He scored it just the way coach Dean Evason wants him scoring goals. The hulking power forward crashed down the slot to the net and had a pass from Danforth on the right wing deflect off him into the net.

Beautiful goal for those who appreciate that sort of play, guys like Evason.

1st period, 8:55: Columbus Blue Jackets 0, Los Angeles Kings 0

The Kings get the game's first power play after Blue Jackets forward Mikael Pyyhtia is called for hooking nearly nine minutes into the game. Columbus has only allowed one power-play goal in the its past four games coming into this one.

Game start: Columbus Blue Jackets 0, Los Angeles Kings 0

It's very early, but both teams have a shot on goal.

Who are the officials for tonight's Blue Jackets-Kings game?

Referees:Carter Sandlak, Peter MacDougall

Linesman:Brandon Gawryletz, Jonathan Deschamps

Blue Jackets' scratches

As expected, James van Riemsdyk and Jordan Harris will watch from the press box tonight, while Kent Johnson is out hurt.

The Kings' scratches are Kyle Burroughs , Caleb Jones and Tanner Jeannot .

Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings: Statistical matchup

According to Natural Stat Trick , the Kings have significant advantages in all key 5-on-5 statistical measures, including attempted shots percentage (CF%), unblocked attempts percentage (FF%), shots on goal percentage (SF%), goals for percentage (GF%), scoring chances for percentage (SCF%), high-danger chances for percentages (HDCF%) and expected goals-for percentage (xGF%).

Dec 11, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Los Angeles Kings center Jaret Anderson-Dolan (28) scores against Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) during the second period of the NHL hockey game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Los Angeles Kings at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch

Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings: Goaltending matchup

Columbus:Elvis Merzlikins gets his second straight start for the Blue Jackets after a tough-luck loss Tuesday in San Jose, where he stopped 25 of 27 shots in a 2-1 overtime loss that was dominated by Columbus in every measure except goals. Prior to allowing all six goals in the Jackets' 6-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 1, Merzlikins was outstanding in three prior outings, including a 2-0 shutout of the New York Islanders on Oct. 30 at Nationwide Arena. Merzlikins is 2-3-1 in six appearances with a 2.69 goals-against average, .910 save percentage and one shutout.

Los Angeles:David Rittich didn't participate in the Kings' optional morning skate Saturday, which indicates he's their likely starter against the Blue Jackets. Rittich and Darcy Kuemper have split the net almost evenly thus far, with the former carrying a 4-3-0 record with a 2.77 GAA and .884 save percentage into the game. Rittich is 2-2-1 with a 2.65 GAA, .917 save percentage and one shutout in six career games against Columbus, including two losses (0-2-0) in 2022-23 with the Winnipeg Jets in his most recent action against the Blue Jackets.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson (78) yells during the first period at Nationwide Arena on November 1, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio during the game against the Winnipeg Jets.

Columbus Blue Jackets lineup at Los Angeles Kings

Here's how the Blue Jackets are expected to look tonight at Crypto.com Arena:

Forward lines

Yegor Chinakhov — Sean Monahan — Kirill Marchenko

Cole Sillinger — Adam Fantilli — Mikael Pyyhtia

Dmitri Voronkov — Justin Danforth — Mathieu Olivier

Zach Aston-Reese — Sean Kuraly — Kevin Labanc

Dec 5, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) shoots during the first period of the NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings at Nationwide Arena.

Defense pairings

Zach Werenski — Ivan Provorov

Jake Christiansen — Damon Severson

Jack Johnson — David Jiricek

Goalies

Elvis Merzlikins

Daniil Tarasov

Scratched:D Jordan Harris, F James van Riemsdyk

Injured:F Boone Jenner (shoulder surgery), D Erik Gudbranson (shoulder surgery), F Kent Johnson (shoulder) and F Gavin Brindley (fractured finger)

Dec 11, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Gustav Nyquist (14) contests the puck with Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) during the first period of the NHL hockey game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Los Angeles Kings at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch

Los Angeles Kings lineup vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Forward lines

Kevin Fiala — Anze Kopitar — Adrian Kempe

Akil Thomas — Phillip Danault ― Trevor Moore

Alex Laferriere — Quinton Byfield — Warren Foegele

Andre Lee ― Samuel Helenius — Trevor Lewis

Dec 5, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (84) celebrates a goal by Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) in overtime of the NHL game at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets lost 4-3 in overtime.

Defense pairings

Mike Anderson — Vladislav Gavrikov

Joel Edmundson — Brandt Clarke

Andreas Englund — Jordan Spence

Goalies

David Rittich

Darcy Kuemper

Scratched:D Kyle Burroughs, D Caleb Jones

Suspended:F Tanner Jeannot (3 games for illegal hit)

Injured:D Drew Doughty (ankle), C Alex Turcotte (upper body), F Arthur Kaliyev (fractured clavicle)

Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings history

All-time record:The Blue Jackets are 27-32-1 with one tie in 67 games against the Kings, including 10-21-2 with one tie in Los Angeles. The Kings swept both games last season and have won three straight over the Blue Jackets, including a 5-1 domination on Feb. 20 at Crypto.com Arena last season.
Last meeting: Adam Boqvist scored the lone goal for the Blue Jackets, who were outmuscled and overwhelmed in a 5-1 loss to the Kings on Feb. 20 of last season in Los Angeles. Former Blue Jackets center Pierre-Luc Dubois led the way with two goals, while Quinton Byfield, Kevin Fiala and Drew Doughty scored the other three.
2024 matchups:Nov. 9 in Los Angeles; Jan. 25 in Columbus

Referee Peter MacDougall rules a good goal for Toronto Maple Leafs center Jason Spezza after review during the third period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Feb. 22, 2022. The goal was ruled good and sent the game into overtime. The Blue Jackets won 4-3 in the extra period.

Who are the officials for Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings?

Referee:Carter Sandlak (29)

Referee:Peter MacDougall (38)

Lines official:Brandon Gawryletz (64)

Lines official:Jonathan Deschamps (80)

Dec 5, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) fights for the puck with Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield (55) during the second period of the NHL game at Nationwide Arena.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings betting odds

Game lines and odds fro m BetMGM as of Saturday, Nov.9

Spread:Blue Jackets (-1.5)
Over/under:6
Moneyline:Blue Jackets +170, Kings -210

Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (23) skates between Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) and Winnipeg Jets center Gabriel Vilardi (13) during the first period at Nationwide Arena on November 1, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

Columbus Blue Jackets news

3 takeaways from the Blue Jackets' missed opportunity in San Jose
Blog rewind: Sharks top Blue Jackets in OT on Wennberg snipe
Blue Jackets notes: coaching staff sends a message
3 takeaways from the Blue Jackets' flop in D,.C.
Capitals jump out early, rout Blue Jackets
3 takeaways from the Blue Jackets' humbling loss to Winnipeg

Winnipeg Jets center Cole Perfetti (91), Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8), Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mikael Pyyhtia (82) and Winnipeg Jets left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) watch the action during the first period at Nationwide Arena on November 1, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

Columbus Blue Jackets November 2024 schedule, record

Here's a look at the Blue Jackets' schedule for November, along with start times, television, and radio information of upcoming games:

Friday, Nov. 1: Blue Jackets vs Winnipeg Jets (L, 6-2) ; Takeaways ; Photos
Saturday, Nov. 2: Blue Jackets at Capitals (L, 7-2) ; Takeaways
Tuesday, Nov. 5: Blue Jackets at Sharks (OTL, 2-1); Takeaways
Saturday, Nov. 9:Blue Jackets at Kings | 9 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Sunday, Nov. 10:Blue Jackets at Ducks | 8 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Tuesday, Nov. 12:Blue Jackets at Kraken | 10 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Friday, Nov. 15:Blue Jackets vs Penguins | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 93.3 The Bus
Saturday, Nov. 16:Blue Jackets at Canadiens | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Monday, Nov. 18:Blue Jackets at Boston Bruins | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Thursday, Nov. 21:Blue Jackets vs Lightning | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Saturday, Nov. 23:Blue Jackets vs Hurricanes | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Wednesday, Nov. 27:Blue Jackets vs Canadiens | 7:30 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Friday, Nov. 29:Blue Jackets vs Calgary Flames | 3 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 93.3 The Bus
November Record:0-3-0, 7th place, Metropolitan Division