Adrian Kempe scores in shootout as Kings beat Predators 3-2
Los Angeles Kings' center Scott Laughton (21) celebrates with goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) after Kings' 3-2 shootout win over the Nashville Predators during an NHL hockey game Monday, April 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Scott Strazzante
LOS ANGELES — Adrian Kempe scored the only goal of the shootout in the second round, and the Los Angeles Kings tightened the Western Conference playoff race with a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators on Monday night.
Los Angeles has played extra time in seven of its last 10 games — and 32 this season.
Joel Armia opened the scoring for the Kings and Scott Laughton made it a 2-1 lead in the second period. Jared Wright has an assist in a career-best three straight games.
Steven Stamkos tied it at 1-all for the Predators and Roman Josi knotted it at 2 early in the third.
Anton Forsberg made 29 saves in the win for the Kings. Saros made 26 saves for the Predators.
The Kings won 58.3% of the faceoffs in the game.
All three series matchups this season went to a shootout, including a 5-4 victory for the Predators in Los Angeles last Thursday.
The Los Angeles Kings' bench greets center Scott Laughton (21) and right wing Jared Wright (53) after Laughton's goal against the Nashville Predators during the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, April 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Scott Strazzante
Up next
Predators: Visit the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday.
Kings: Host the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
