Kings Fall Short in Chicago, Drop 2-1 Decision to Blackhawks

The Kings limped out of Chicago with nothing to show for it, dropping a tight 2-1 affair to the Blackhawks on Tuesday night. Los Angeles couldn't solve Chicago's defensive setup when it mattered most, managing just a single goal against a team they should've been lighting up.

Chicago did what bottom-feeders do when they catch a break—they capitalized on their chances and locked things down. The Blackhawks grabbed a lead, added an insurance marker, and then played keep-away for the rest of the night. Meanwhile, the Kings spent sixty minutes firing pucks into shin pads and making Chicago's goaltender look like a Vezina candidate.

LA's lone tally was too little, too late. You can't expect to win many games scoring once, especially against a rebuilding squad that's been handing out points like Halloween candy all season. The Kings' offense looked anemic, their power play invisible when needed, and their urgency nonexistent until the third period damage was already done.

DarkHorse stayed off this one—smart move, because this game had trap written all over it. Sometimes the best bet is no bet, and watching the Kings sleepwalk through Chicago proved exactly why.