Kuemper, Kings blank Predators in Nashville

The Kings’ big three - Anze Kopitar, Kevin Fiala and Adrian Kempe - all found the back of the net and Darcy Kuemper stopped all 16 shots he faced to earn his first shutout as a returning member of the LA Kings and the 32nd of his career.

The Kings found themselves in a similar position to Saturday’s game against Chicago - with a 2-0 lead in the third period. This time, they were able to stay air tight as Nashville pressed in the final frame. The Predators registered only three shots on Kuemper in the third, with the first one being recorded at 16:46 (3:54 remaining).

The Kings’ defensive effort carried over to the penalty kill, where they killed all three Nashville power plays in impressive fashion, not allowing a single shot on goal while a man short.

Kopitar started the scoring in the first period with a clever bank shot off of Nashville goaltender Jusse Saros and into the net.

Early in the second period, Kuemper came up with his best save of the game to preserve the LA lead.

Fiala gave the Kings the insurance goal just 35 seconds into the third period, burying a Phillip Danault rebound.

With Saros on the bench for the Nashville extra attacker, Adrian Kempe found the empty net to seal it for the Kings.

With the victory, the Kings improved to 7-3-3, putting them in a tie for first place in the Pacific Division with the Vegas Golden Knights. LA are now 4-1-1 in their last six games and head to MInnesota to complete a back-to-back set before going back home.

Additional notes:

• Alex Turcotte left the game in the second period and did not return after taking a hit from Predators defenseman Jeremy Lauzon.

• Brandt Clarke registered his 11th assist of the season, putting him 2 ahead of Anze Kopitar for the team lead.

• Kevin Fiala scored his 6th goal of the season. He has registered 2 goals and 3 assists in the three games following his disciplinary benching.

• Anze Kopitar registered his 5th goal and team leading 14th point. He has 6 points in his last 5 games.