Andrei Kuzmenko scored for the Los Angeles Kings in the second period against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. His teammates gathered to celebrate the goal during the NHL matchup on April 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
The Los Angeles Kings delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night, with Andrei Kuzmenko, Adrian Kempe, and captain Anze Kopitar each contributing a goal and an assist. Trevor Moore also found the net, helping the Kings pull two points ahead of the Edmonton Oilers for second place in the Pacific Division.
Goalie Darcy Kuemper stood strong in the net, stopping 18 shots as Los Angeles secured its 11th win in 14 games. The Kings, known for their defensive strength, dominated the matchup against another top defensive team, showing their ability to shut down high-calibre opponents.
On the other side, Cole Perfetti managed to score his 17th goal for the Jets, while goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 16 saves. Winnipeg, which entered the game on a three-game winning streak, struggled to find its rhythm in the opener of a three-game road trip.
Kuzmenko’s Rising Impact
Since joining the Kings at last month’s trade deadline, Kuzmenko has been on fire. His stellar two-way play has added depth to L.A.'s offence, with nine points in his last seven games. Coming off a dominant 8-1 win over San Jose, where he tallied a goal and two assists, Kuzmenko continued his hot streak against the Jets.
The Kings wasted no time getting on the board. Moore’s opening goal came when he redirected a puck mid-air, which deflected off his skate and into the net—his 17th goal of the season.
Just moments later, Los Angeles capitalized on a defensive error. Kuzmenko forced a turnover in the neutral zone, setting up Kopitar for his 19th goal and putting the Kings in firm control early in the game.
Game-Changing Play
Kuzmenko sealed his impressive night with a solo effort late in the second period. He stole the puck from Logan Stanley at center ice and charged down the rink, finishing with a highlight-reel goal. His relentless energy and precision play proved to be a key difference-maker.
Kempe capped the scoring with his 32nd goal of the season, sliding the puck into an empty net to ensure the Kings’ triumph.
What’s Next?
The Jets will look to bounce back when they visit the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, while the Kings hit the road to face the Utah Hockey Club on the same night.
