Armia Scores Twice as Kings Defeat Mammoth 4–2

AP PHOTO

The Los Angeles Kings secured a 4–2 victory over the Utah Mammoth on Monday night in Salt Lake City, powered by Joel Armia’s two-goal performance and strong offensive contributions from Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar. The win marked the Kings’ third in their last five games. Kempe opened the scoring 7:50 into the first period after receiving a pass from Kevin Fiala, skating in alone, and lifting a backhand shot past Utah goaltender Karel Vejmelka for his tenth goal of the season. Armia extended the lead to 2–0 just over two minutes later, converting a long stretch pass from Fiala and beating Vejmelka from between the circles. Utah responded early in the second period when Dylan Guenther scored his eleventh of the season on a one-timer from the high slot, set up by Clayton Keller during a power play just 34 seconds into the frame. Keller later narrowed the Kings’ lead again with a goal at 7:47 remaining in the third period, finishing the game with a goal and an assist.

Kopitar restored the Kings’ two-goal cushion at 3:27 of the third period, capitalizing on a rebound in front. Armia sealed the game with an empty-net tally at 1:38 remaining, securing his second goal of the night. Los Angeles goaltender Darcy Kuemper stopped 19 shots in the win, while Vejmelka recorded 23 saves for Utah, which has now dropped six of its last eight games.

Up NextThe Kings travel to Seattle for a Wednesday night matchup, while the Mammoth return home to host Florida.