First, the obligatory give-credit-where-credit’s-due: The Kings played a solid game and made things difficult in their own zone.
OK, that said, the Islanders did not generate nearly enough chances until very late in the third period, did not get good enough goaltending and continued to struggle against teams holding a playoff spot.
So, they lost, 3-2, on Thursday night at UBS Arena as they continued a seven-game homestand and started a stretch of four games in six days leading into the All-Star break. It spoiled the return of Kyle Palmieri, who dressed for the first time since Dec. 16 but did not nearly have the impact the Islanders are hoping he has over the second half of the season.
