The LA Kings put up a spirited fight but ultimately came up short as they fell to the Edmonton Oilers with a 3-2 shootout loss in their final game of 2023 at Crypto.com Arena. Despite taking an early lead and showing promising play throughout the game, the Kings couldn't secure the second point against their formidable opponents.

Forward Kevin Fiala kick-started the Kings' offense with a power-play goal in the first period, breaking the team's post-holiday break goal drought with a superb one-timer past Edmonton netminder Stuart Skinner. It was Fiala's eighth goal of the season, giving the Kings a 1-0 lead.

Not long after, Adrian Kempe extended the Kings' advantage with an impressive solo effort. Receiving a stretch pass from forward Anze Kopitar, Kempe unleashed a powerful shot from the right-hand circle, beating Skinner on the glove side for his 12th goal of the season. Kempe's performance earned him a multi-point night, showcasing his offensive prowess.

However, the Oilers fought back in the second period, with Connor McDavid leading the charge. McDavid found the back of the net on the power play, scoring his 13th goal of the season with a well-placed shot that ricocheted off Kings goalie Cam Talbot's mask.

Edmonton continued their resurgence with a 4-on-4 goal from Leon Draisaitl, who converted a pass from McDavid to tie the game at 2-2 heading into the second intermission. Both teams battled hard in a well-contested third period and a scoreless 3-on-3 overtime session, leaving the game to be decided in a shootout.

The shootout proved to be a nail-biting affair, with both teams scoring on their first two attempts. Ultimately, it was the Oilers' Derek Ryan who sealed the victory with his goal in the fourth round.

Although disappointed with the outcome, Kings forward Adrian Kempe expressed optimism about the team's performance, particularly during the first period, where they played with pace and dominated at 5-on-5. He acknowledged the need to limit penalties and praised the penalty-killing unit for their crucial 3-on-5 kill.

Head Coach Todd McLellan also highlighted the team's positives, commending their effort and resilience against a strong Oilers team. He recognized the challenge of facing Edmonton's potent power play and acknowledged the tight, playoff-style game that unfolded.

Statistically, several Kings players stood out in the game. Alongside Fiala and Kempe, Anze Kopitar contributed an assist, extending his impressive point streak. Defenders Drew Doughty and Quinton Byfield also registered assists, adding to their respective season totals.

The Kings will now reflect on their performance during the past 10 games, which saw them maintain a record of 4-4-2. McLellan emphasized that the team is competing against formidable opponents and pointed out the need to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Ultimately, despite the disappointment of the loss, the LA Kings displayed resilience and showcased their potential throughout the game. As they move forward into the new year, the team will strive to build upon their positives and improve in areas that will help them secure victories in tight matchups.