Adrian Kempe scores twice as Los Angeles erases an early two-goal deficit to secure its first win of the season.
Kings Secure Elusive First Victory of the Season
The Los Angeles Kings rallied from a two-goal first-period deficit to defeat the Washington Capitals 5-2 at Capital One Arena on Tuesday, October 20, earning their first victory of the 2026-27 NHL season. Adrian Kempe scored twice, Artemi Panarin recorded a goal and two assists, and Erik Gustafsson scored the go-ahead goal on the power play in the third period. Scott Laughton added an empty-net goal to complete the comeback. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 30 saves for Los Angeles, which entered the matchup still searching for consistency after a difficult start.
Capitals Establish Early Dominance
The Capitals established their early lead through Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson. Leonard opened the scoring at 9:25 of the first period, snapping a shot through a screen to put Washington ahead 1-0. Hutson doubled the advantage at 18:35 with a power-play goal, giving the home side a 2-0 cushion late in the period. However, the Kings responded before the intermission, turning a comfortable Capitals lead into a tie in a matter of seconds. The late swing became the defining sequence of the opening period and shifted momentum toward the visitors.
31-Second Surge Wipes Away Washington's Cushion
Kempe cut the deficit to 2-1 at 19:27, finishing a two-on-one rush after receiving a pass from Panarin. The Kings struck again at 19:58, when Panarin collected a loose puck and fired from the left circle to tie the score. Los Angeles scored twice in the final 33 seconds of the first period, wiping away Washington’s two-goal advantage just before the break. Instead of entering the intermission needing to solve a two-goal deficit, the Kings went to the locker room level at 2-2 and carrying renewed confidence. Washington, meanwhile, had to regroup after surrendering its lead in the closing moments.
Gustafsson Breaks the Deadlock with Highlight-Reel Goal
Neither team scored in the second period, as the game settled into a tighter contest. Washington looked to regain control, while Los Angeles stayed patient and limited the damage until its next opportunity arrived. The decisive breakthrough came at 7:28 of the third period, when defenseman Erik Gustafsson scored on the power play to give the Kings a 3-2 lead. Gustafsson carried the puck through the neutral zone, split two defenders and moved toward the net before beating goaltender Logan Thompson. It was Gustafsson’s first NHL goal since January 12, 2025, and a major turning point in the game. The goal put the Kings in front for the first time and placed the pressure on Washington to respond.
Offense Latches On to Seal the Victory
Kempe extended Los Angeles’ lead to 4-2 at 11:35, scoring near the right post after Panarin delivered a pass from behind the net. The goal completed Kempe’s two-goal performance and strengthened the Kings’ grip on the game. Panarin’s three-point night proved equally important, as he contributed to the comeback with both scoring and playmaking. Alex Laferriere added two assists, supporting the Kings’ offensive push. Washington could not find a response against Kuemper, who remained steady after the Capitals’ fast start. With the home team needing a goal late, Thompson left the net for an extra attacker, but Laughton scored into the empty net at 18:15 to seal the 5-2 result. Thompson finished with 21 saves.
Momentum Shifts as Both Teams Look Ahead
The win lifted Los Angeles to 1-4-2 and ended its winless start, offering an encouraging result as the team opened a five-game road trip. Kuemper’s 30 saves provided a dependable foundation, while the Kings’ late first-period goals and third-period power-play strike showed how quickly the game could change. Washington fell to 5-4-0 despite goals from Leonard and Hutson, and was held scoreless after the opening period. The result also showed how persistence and timely finishing can change a game, even after an opponent takes an early lead. Los Angeles next visits the New York Islanders on Thursday, while Washington is scheduled to host the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. The comeback belonged to the Kings, who turned a difficult start into a timely first win.