Kings Vs. Penguins: L.A. Suffers 3-2 Shootout Loss, Fourth Straight Defeat

The Los Angeles Kings fell 3-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a shootout Saturday night at Staples Center, the fourth straight defeat for the Kings. Los Angeles is 0-2 in shootouts this season.

Just seconds after Dustin Brown had a goal waved off for striking the puck above the height of the crossbar of the net, the Penguins struck back with the equalizer. Chris Kunitz took a pass behind the net from Jordan Staal and beat a sprawling Jonathan Quick high into the net to tie the game at 2-2 with just 2:57 remaining in regulation.

Justin Williams and Anze Kopitar were involved in both goals by the Kings. At 13:34 of the second period, Williams fed Kopitar with a nice pass in front of the net, and Kopitar was able to beat Marc-Andre Fleury to tie the game at 1-1. Then in the third period with just over six minutes remaining, Williams took a turnover at center ice, fed Kopitar again, and Kopitar was able to set up Simon Gagne in front of the net for his fourth goal of the season.

Mike Richards of the Kings had a penalty shot midway through the third period, but he missed wide left. It was the 47th penalty shot in Kings franchise history, of which 15 have been made.

The Kings next travel north for a road contest Monday night against the San Jose Sharks.

For more Kings news and notes, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown.

Kings Vs. Penguins: Even Without Sidney Crosby, Pittburgh Is Force To Be Recokned With

The Los Angeles Kings will look to snap a three-game losing streak on Saturday night as they host the Pittsburgh Penguins at Staples Center. The Pens are still without Sidney Crosby, arguably the best player in the sport, but they remain a force to be reckoned with.

Crosby last played on January 5, missing 10 months and counting with would could have been a career-threatening concussion. He is expected back soon for Pittsburgh, maybe within a week or two, but just not Saturday night in Los Angeles. But the Penguins still have rolled along.

At 8-3-3, they are tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks for the most points in the National Hockey League with 19. Left wing James Neal leads the team with nine goals in 14 games, and centers Evgeni Malkin (10 points) and Jordan Staal (nine points) have been productive as always. With a +10 goal differential (42 goals for, 32 goals against), the Penguins are one of just three teams, with the Washington Capitals and Edmonton Oilers, with a double-digit positive goal differential.

The Kings have allowed just 25 goals in 12 games this season, the fewest in the NHL. They will need Jonathan Quick to have a big game if they are to snap their three-game skid. Of course, a couple early goals from the offense would be nice, too.

Saturday night's 7:30 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Fox Sports West. For more Kings news and notes, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown. For your Penguins information, be sure to read Pensburgh.

Kings Vs. Penguins: Los Angeles In Search Of Offense

The Kings have scored just one goal in their last three games at Staples Center.