### Kings' Recent Performance: A Turning Point in Their Season The Los Angeles Kings have recently experienced a significant shift in their performance, highlighted by Adrian Kempe's standout contributions. After a challenging stretch of games, the Kings managed to snap a four-game winless streak with a crucial victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This win not only boosted their morale but also positioned them favorably in the playoff race. The Kings are now set to face the Columbus Blue Jackets, aiming to build on their recent success and improve their standing in the Pacific Division. ### Breakdown of Recent Events and Future Outlook 1. **Recent Victory Against the Lightning** - The Kings defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 on December 19, 2025, marking their first win after four consecutive losses [https://apnews.com/article/kings-lightning-score-1ec308db1cff4e73809c717afdfbe1f3]. - Adrian Kempe scored both goals for the Kings in the second period, showcasing his offensive prowess [https://www.dailybulletin.com/2025/12/18/adrian-kempe-scores-twice-as-kings-edge-lightning-to-snap-4-game-skid]. 2. **Performance Analysis** - Anton Forsberg was instrumental in the victory, making 31 saves and allowing only one goal, which came from Oliver Bjorkstrand during a power play [https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/12-18-25-final-kings-2-lightning-1]. - The Kings' ability to hold off the Lightning in the third period, despite being outshot 13-3, demonstrated their resilience [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/kempe_scores_twice_kings_come_back_to_win_2_1_vs_lightning/s1_16448_43224727]. 3. **Upcoming Match Against the Blue Jackets** - The Kings are scheduled to play against the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 21, 2025, with hopes of continuing their winning momentum [https://lethbridgeherald.com/sports/national-sports/2025/12/21/kings-take-on-the-blue-jackets-after-kempes-2-goal-performance]. - The matchup is crucial as both teams are vying for better positions in their respective divisions, with the Kings currently holding a slight edge in the Pacific Division [https://www.nhl.com/lightning/news/recap-los-angeles-kings-2-tampa-bay-lightning-1-dec-18-2025]. ### Key Statistics and Performance Metrics - **Kings vs. Lightning (December 19, 2025)** - **Final Score**: Kings 2, Lightning 1 - **Goals**: - Adrian Kempe: 2 goals - Oliver Bjorkstrand: 1 goal - **Saves**: - Anton Forsberg: 31 saves on 32 shots - Andrei Vasilevskiy: 18 saves on 20 shots - **Shots on Goal**: - Kings: 20 - Lightning: 32 [https://www.nhl.com/news/los-angeles-kings-tampa-bay-lightning-game-recap-december-18-2025]. ### Conclusion: A Positive Shift for the Kings In summary, the Los Angeles Kings have turned a corner with their recent victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning, largely thanks to Adrian Kempe's two-goal performance and Anton Forsberg's stellar goaltending. This win has not only ended their four-game winless streak but also positioned them favorably as they prepare to face the Columbus Blue Jackets. Moving forward, the Kings will aim to capitalize on this momentum to secure their playoff aspirations. 1. **Recent Win**: Kings beat Lightning 2-1, ending a four-game skid. 2. **Key Players**: Adrian Kempe and Anton Forsberg were pivotal in the victory. 3. **Next Challenge**: Kings face the Blue Jackets, looking to build on their success. The Kings' ability to maintain this momentum will be critical as they navigate the remainder of the season [https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/kings/story/2025-12-18/adrian-kempe-kings-lightning].