Kuemper makes 19 saves in his 39th career shutout as Kings beat Canucks 4-0

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Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

Los Angeles Kings' Trevor Moore, center, celebrates after his goal against the Vancouver Canucks with Quinton Byfield (55), Alex Laferriere,back left, Drew Doughty, second from right, and Mikey Anderson (44) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP) — Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

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1:05 AM on Friday, March 27

The Associated Press

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Darcy Kuemper made 19 saves for his third shutout of the season and 39th of his career to lead the Los Angeles Kings to a 4-0 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night.

Trevor Moore had a goal and an assist for the Kings, and Scott Laughton, Artemi Panarin and Quinton Byfield also scored. Mikey Anderson had a pair of assists.

The victory moved the Kings within one point of the Nashville Predators, who hold the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoff race.

One of the best stops by Kuemper, whose last shutout was on Dec. 6 against Chicago, came at the 10:43 mark of the first period when Teddy Blueger launched a blast from the slot and the goalie kicked out his right leg to send the puck soaring with the toe of his skate.

Kevin Lankinen made 34 saves for the Canucks, who lost their fourth straight game. Vancouver has been shut out five times this season, with four coming at home.

The Kings opened the scoring with Laughton's power-play goal 17:34 into the first period. Stationed at the top of the faceoff circle, Byfield took a shot that hit the skate of Laughton as he jumped in front of the net, deflecting the puck in past Lankinen.

Byfield sealed it with an empty-netter with 2:24 left in the game.

Up next

Kings: Host Utah on Saturday.

Canucks: Visit Calgary on Saturday.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl