LOS ANGELES – On a day where the Los Angeles Kings’ top prospect won a gold medal, the parent club was busy with a big game of its own Thursday, falling to the NHL-pacing Boston Bruins 5-2 at Crypto.com Arena.
Earlier in the evening, host nation Canada defeated Czechia in overtime to capture gold at the World Junior Championship in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke, loaned to Canada for the tournament, assisted on Arizona Coyotes forward Dylan Guenther’s first-period tally and also helped set up Guenther’s golden goal in overtime.
On NHL ice, center Phillip Danault and defenseman Sean Durzi potted goals. Pheonix Copley lost for the first time in his past eight decisions and stopped just 17 of 21 shots.