Matthew Tkachuk scored midway through the third period to push the Florida Panthers past the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday.
Los Angeles grabbed the opening lead with 1:00 remaining in the first period when Alex Laferriere scored his first goal of the season on a wrist shot set up by Erik Haula. Florida answered early in the middle frame. Lars Eller delivered a pass to Seth Jones, who scored his first goal of the season on a wrist shot at 3:49 of the second period to tie the score 1-1.
The game remained level until 11:20 of the third period. Sam Bennett set up Tkachuk, who beat Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper with an even-strength wrist shot for his second goal of the season, establishing the final 2-1 margin.
Goaltender Jacob Markstrom earned the win for the Panthers by stopping 19 of 20 shots. Kuemper turned aside 28 of 30 shots in the loss for the Kings. Neither team converted with the man advantage, as Florida went 0 for 6 on the power play while Los Angeles finished 0 for 5.
With the victory, the Panthers moved their regular-season record to 2-0-2. The Kings fell to 0-2-1 on the season and extended their winless streak to three games.
The Kings will travel to play the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, October 20. The Panthers next visit the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, October 21.
