Kings Beat Golden Knights 5-2, Keep Hot Streak Going at 14-1-1 in Last 16
The Los Angeles Kings staged a thrilling third-period comeback to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 on Feb. 24, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. Trevor Moore led the charge with two goals, while Quinton Byfield notched a career-high four assists. The Kings secured the victory with critical late-game contributions, including Warren Foegele’s go-ahead goal, Joel Edmundson’s insurance tally, and Mikey Anderson’s empty-netter.
The Golden Knights struck first when Barrett Hayton found the net early in the opening period. The Kings responded just 28 seconds later as Drew Doughty scored his first goal since returning from a preseason ankle injury. Moore put Los Angeles ahead 2-1 in the second period with his ninth goal of the season, but Vegas answered with a dominant stretch, forcing the Kings onto their heels.
“(Vegas) took us to the schoolyard a little bit [in the second period], they were faster, stronger and more competitive,” Kings head coach Jim Hiller told the Los Angelos Daily News. “So, we had to decide, were we just going to let them take it from us? And, clearly, the guys had a great response in the third.”
That response came from Foegele’s decisive backhand goal at 8:31 of the third period, breaking a 2-2 tie. Edmundson extended the lead in the final minutes before Anderson’s empty-net goal at 18:30 sealed the victory. Moore’s second goal of the night marked his 10th of the season and fourth in his last four games.
Anze Kopitar also made history, recording his 825th career assist to tie for 29th place on the NHL’s all-time list. Meanwhile, goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 19 saves and tallied his first assist since November 2023.
Despite the loss, Vegas remains atop the Pacific Division, though it has dropped two of three games against the Kings this season. The Golden Knights will look to bounce back when they host the Chicago Blackhawks on Feb. 27.
