Kings Rally Big to Win 10th Straight Away 4–3 Over Jackets in OT

Kings Rally Big to Win 10th Straight Away 4–3 Over Jackets in OT
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) celebrates his goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets in overtime in Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 5, 2023. Russell LaBounty/USA TODAY Sports via Field Level Media
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Drew Doughty scored 33 seconds into overtime as the Los Angeles Kings scored four unanswered goals to beat the host Columbus Blue Jackets 4–3 on Tuesday night, Dec. 5.

With the victory, Los Angeles tied an NHL record with 10 straight road wins to open a season.

The 2006–07 Buffalo Sabres also accomplished the feat.

The Kings finally got on the board 23 seconds into the third period when Matt Roy sent the puck toward the net, where Phillip Danault redirected it past Columbus goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (35 saves).

Then with 14:52 remaining in regulation, Danault made it 3–2 by pushing a sitting puck lodged behind Merzlikins over the goal line.

Los Angeles tied it 1 1/2 minutes later, when a collective crash to the net resulted in Arthur Kaliyev getting enough of his stick on the puck to get it past Merzlikins and stun the home crowd.

Doughty’s one-timer early in the extra session capped the improbable and historic night for the Kings, who have won seven of their past eight games overall.

Columbus got a goal and an assist from Johnny Gaudreau but lost for the fourth time in six games.

Moments after the Blue Jackets rightfully had a goal taken off the scoreboard, when Gaudreau’s shot hit iron, the hosts grabbed a lead.

On the power play, Kirill Marchenko converted from the right side, sending a shot past Pheonix Copley (26 saves) to give Columbus a 1–0 lead at 9:07 of the first period.

The Blue Jackets went up 2–0 when Gaudreau sent a no-doubter over the shoulder of Copley at 5:24 of the second after a Los Angeles turnover.

It came shortly after Columbus had a second goal overturned via replay.

However, the Blue Jackets were not done scoring in the second.

With 6:57 remaining in the period, Mathieu Olivier pounced on the puck amid a broken play in front of the net and converted his first goal of the season for a 3–0 lead.

Los Angeles Kings' Adrian Kempe (9) passes to teammate Anze Kopitar (11) in front of Columbus Blue Jackets' Andrew Peeke (2) in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2023. (Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo)
Los Angeles Kings' Adrian Kempe (9) passes to teammate Anze Kopitar (11) in front of Columbus Blue Jackets' Andrew Peeke (2) in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2023. Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo