latimes
The Boston Bruins secured their fifth consecutive victory by defeating the Los Angeles Kings 4-1 on Saturday night, with Marat Khusnutdinov netting the decisive goal in the third period. The outcome leaves the Kings (0-4-2) as the sole NHL team yet to record a win this season, a distinction confirmed after the Philadelphia Flyers also won on Saturday.
David Pastrnak contributed a goal, while Elias Lindholm and JJ Peterka added empty-net tallies. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman stopped 25 shots for Boston. The Bruins completed a sweep of the three California teams during a four-game road trip that concludes Tuesday in Dallas.
Alex Laferriere was the lone scorer for Los Angeles, and Anton Forsberg made 24 saves. The Kings have now been limited to one goal in four straight contests.
Khusnutdinov broke a 1-1 tie with 6:24 remaining, scoring on a backhander after Forsberg failed to cover Morgan Geekie's initial shot and Matt Poitras kept the play alive. The Bruins improved to 7-2-0 with the win.
Los Angeles started strong, scoring just 31 seconds into the game. Laferriere, promoted to first-line center, positioned himself at the top of the crease to convert Adrian Kempe's pass for his second goal of the season.
Boston answered early in the second period when Pastrnak tied the game at 2:43. He intercepted a loose puck in the neutral zone, skated the other way, and beat Forsberg with a wrist shot from the right circle for his fourth goal of the year. It marked Pastrnak's 289th career even-strength goal, tying Phil Esposito for third-most in Bruins history.
Boston center Pavel Zacha was sidelined due to an upper-body injury sustained in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday. Coach Marco Sturm described him as day to day before the game.
The Kings next visit Washington on Tuesday night.
Key Analysis
The Kings' early lead quickly evaporated as Boston's persistent pressure and timely scoring proved decisive. Los Angeles's inability to generate offense beyond the first minute has been a recurring issue, with the team now having scored just one goal in each of its last four games. Meanwhile, the Bruins continue to roll, showcasing depth with contributions from Khusnutdinov and a historic milestone from Pastrnak. The loss underscores the Kings' struggles in a season that has yet to see them secure a victory.
Originally reported by latimes.