Kings Point Streak Ends at 12, Lose to Flames 2-1

The Los Angeles Kings' point streak couldn't last forever and it was ended Tuesday night against the Calgary Flames. Losing 2-1 in regulation for the first time since Feb. 26.

The Kings weren't at their best Tuesday.

They struggled to establish their 1-3-1 and had some connectivity issues with the puck.

The game started off rough for the Kings, taking a penalty just 52 seconds in.

Andrew Mangiapane jumped on a rebound in the slot on the ensuing power play to put the Flames up 1-0 1:54 in.

The Kings got back into the game midway through the period. A nice zone entry ended with Arthur Kaliyev one-touching the puck to Sean Durzi, who had all day to walk in and fire a wrist shot over Jacob Markstrom's shoulder.

The Kings couldn't see out the period though. A turnover at the offensive blue line ended with a broken three-on-two for the Flames and after Trevor Lewis shot missed the net, the Flames got a fortunate bounce off the end boards. With the puck kicking straight to Walker Duehr backdoor. 

The Flames took a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.

After the first, the goalie battle began.

Both Joonas Korpisalo and Markstrom locked it in after the first period and closed up shop.

Markstrom made several key saves throughout the game. Stopping Kevin Fiala on a clean break and Rasmus Kupari on a half breakaway in the second.

He got some post luck on a Carl Grundstrom shot, but then stoned Fiala late in the game on a one-time attempt.

The Kings weren't at their best, but created enough to get more than one past Markstrom on a normal night. But Markstrom was on his game.

Korpisalo also made a few big saves to keep the Kings in the game. He was saved in the first by an offside challenge. A weak shot beat him low blocker, but the goal was called back after video review.

After the almost goal, Korpisalo was dialed. 

He made a huge stop in a goal mouth scramble in the second and another one on a cross ice feed in the third.

Koripsalo finished with 30 saves and 1.50 goals saved above expected. With Markstrom posting 33 saves and 1.58 goals saved above expected. 

It was a goalie battle in Calgary and Markstrom came out a narrow winner.

Given their recent form, the Kings can't be too upset dropping Tuesday's game. It isn't a second game where the Kings haven't been at their best. But they've had opposite problems.

Against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, scoring wasn't an issue, but keeping the puck out was. That flipped on Tuesday, so I wouldn't expect these woes to continue. 

It looks like the Kings will get some help in the standings, with the Edmonton Oilers holding a lead on the Vegas Golden Knights. Keeping the Kings within two points of the division lead.

The Kings have an important game Thursday against the Oilers, who are potential playoff opponents. 

The Kings are 2-0 against the Oilers this season and have done a good job shutting down the Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl duo. But this is a different Oilers team, with Mattias Ekholm added and Evander Kane back. 

Thursday's game will be a big test for the Kings.