March 13, 2026, Elmont, New York — Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar scores against New York Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin during the first period at UBS Arena.
ELMONT, NY — The Los Angeles Kings continued their strong performances against the Islanders on Friday night at UBS Arena, tightening New York’s playoff race with 16 games remaining. The Kings secured a 3-2 victory by scoring three goals in the first period. The Islanders (37-24-5) remained in the third and final automatic playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division, level on 79 points with the Pittsburgh Penguins and just two points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets in fourth place. Both the Penguins and Blue Jackets have a game in hand over the Islanders, and all three teams are set to play on Saturday.
Friday’s outcome marked New York’s ninth loss in their last ten encounters with the Kings, their only win against them coming on December 9, 2023. The Islanders nearly managed another three-goal comeback similar to their previous game, with two goals from Emil Heineman narrowing the gap. However, Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper halted New York’s late efforts in the final 10 minutes.
Los Angeles nearly matched the Islanders’ shot tally in the first period. A turnover by Scott Mayfield led to a breakaway goal by Trevor Moore, which put the Kings ahead just 3:33 into the game. This lead was maintained throughout the game. Mikey Anderson’s attempt was saved by Sorokin, but a mishap in the crease allowed Anze Kopitar to score without issue at 14:07. The Kings’ third goal came late in the first when Adrian Kempe converted an Artemi Panarin pass over Sorokin.
Heineman opened the scoring for the Islanders at 10:26 of the second period, deflecting an Adam Pelech shot. His second goal, and 18th of the season, came 3:38 into the third period when he deflected a shot by Matthew Schaefer past Kuemper.
For more on the Islanders, visit AMNY.com.
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