Kings defeat Blackhawks to secure sixth win in seven games

In a pivotal NHL matchup on March 20, 2025, the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 at the United Center in Chicago, marking the Kings' sixth win in their last seven games. Trevor Moore and Alex Turcotte each found the back of the net in the first period, helping the Kings establish a commanding 2-0 lead within the first ten minutes of the game. Moore's goal, scored 8:45 into the first period, was a skillfully placed shot that clanged off the left post, while Turcotte followed up just 59 seconds later with a deft deflection of a shot from Vladislav Gavrikov. The Blackhawks attempted to stage a comeback, with Connor Bedard scoring on a power play in the second period, narrowing the gap to 2-1 at the 10:50 mark. However, Joel Edmundson sealed the victory with an empty-net goal with just 19 seconds remaining in the game. The success of the Kings can be attributed to the stellar performance of their goaltender, Darcy Kuemper, who notched 17 saves in his fifth consecutive start. Throughout this stretch, Kuemper has showcased exceptional skill, allowing just four goals and achieving two shutouts. His crucial pad save on Lukas Reichel’s one-timer early in the third period preserved the lead for Los Angeles. The Kings are now tightening their grip on a playoff spot, continuing their pursuit of second place in the Pacific Division and home ice advantage against potential first-round challengers, including the Edmonton Oilers. On the other hand, the Blackhawks are in a concerning downward spiral, suffering their sixth consecutive loss, which stands as a season-high (0-5-1). During this recent stretch, the Blackhawks have been outscored 25-9, highlighting significant defensive struggles. Connor Bedard's goal marked his 19th for the season and a continued bright spot for a team facing challenges after recent heavy defeats. Chicago, previously defeated 6-2 in their last two outings, showed some improvement in this matchup but ultimately fell short against the Kings' strong performance. Looking ahead, both teams are scheduled to play again on Saturday, with the Kings set to host the Carolina Hurricanes and the Blackhawks traveling to St. Louis. As the NHL season approaches its critical playoff stages, each match becomes crucial for both teams as they look to secure points and strengthen their standings.