Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) checks Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty (8) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Republished March 29, 2025 - 10:55 PM
Original Publication Date March 29, 2025 - 7:21 PM
LOS ANGELES (AP) — John Tavares scored twice and the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 on Saturday.
Auston Matthews had a goal and an assist, Anthony Stolarz made 35 saves, and the Maple Leafs are 5-1-1 in their past seven games.
Alex Laferriere scored, Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves, and the Kings had their franchise-record 15-game home point streak snapped. It was their first regulation loss at home since falling 5-1 to Pittsburgh on Jan. 20.
Laferriere put the Kings ahead early in the second period, but Matthews tied it 1-1 early in the third with his second career short-handed goal.
Tavares then put Toronto in front by putting in Matthews’ rebound during a 4-on-3 power play with less than eight minutes remaining. He picked up an empty-netter with 1:35 remaining.
The win put the Maple Leafs atop the three-team race for the Atlantic Division for now, moving them one point ahead of Florida and Tampa Bay. The Panthers have a game in hand over the other two challengers.
TAKEAWAYS
Maple Leafs: Toronto, which came into the game with the third-best road power play in the NHL, went 1-for-4 to turn the game in their favour.
Kings: Laferriere ended a 17-game goal drought dating back to Feb. 22 when he opened the scoring.
KEY MOMENT
Kuemper got a little too active with his stick, tripping Matthews during 4-on-4 hockey, and setting the stage for Tavares’ 12th power-play goal of the season.
KEY STAT
Tavares has scored in five straight games and leads the NHL with 13 goals since the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
UP NEXT
Maple Leafs: Visit the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.
Kings: Host the San Jose Sharks on Sunday.
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