Kempe, Forsberg Rally Kings Past Lightning
- Mike Smith
- Dec 18, 2025
- 3 min read
By Mike Smith | Thunderstruck Sports
Adrian Kempe scored twice in the second period to rally the Los Angeles Kings past the Tampa Bay Lightning, 2-1, at Benchmark International Arena Thursday night. Anton Forsberg stopped 31 shots as the Kings broke a four-game losing streak.
The Lightning have now lost three in a row, and seven of their last ten.
Oliver Bjorkstrad started the Bolts off on a strong note with a goal 12:54 into the first period. Anthony Cirelli found Bjorkstrand low, and Forsberg stopped the initial shot. However, Bjorkstrand was able to push the puck through the five-hole for the score. The power play goal was Bjorkstrand's fifth of the year and capped off a well-played period for Tampa Bay.
Unfortunately, the Lightning's good fortune would shortly turn at the hands of Kempe.
A Familiar Theme Plagues Second Period for Lightning
For several seasons now, the second period has been more of a nemesis to the Bolts than opponents can be. The second period tonight was no different, as the Lightning made costly mistakes that created scoring opportunities for the Kings.
A key turnover by Pontus Holmberg led to the game-winning goal by Kempe five minutes into the period. Holmberg misjudged his position on the ice and made an errant pass intercepted by Kempe. Kempe raced down the ice and caught goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy as he made a backhanded deke to score.
Kempe had tied the game earlier in the second period when he skated into the Lightning zone and launched a long-range wrist shot over the outstretched pad of Vasilevskiy.
The Lightning also struggled with puck control throughout the game. Despite creating many chances throughout the night, Tampa Bay lost several opportunities when they failed to control the puck at the blue line and lost possession in the offensive zone.
Injuries Again Haunt Lightning
Nikita Kucherov was a very late scratch due to illness, despite participating in warmups. His absence was certainly missed.
Cirelli left the game late in the third period when he took a check from Kevin Fiala. The hit dropped Cirelli to the ice, and it took a few minutes for him to find his way to the Lightning bench on his way to the locker room.
There was no update on Cirelli following the game.
Injuries seem to be catching up with the Lightning. With Kucherov scratched, he joined Victor Hedman, Brandon Hagel, Emil Lilleberg, Erik Cernak, and Jake Finley missing time in the Tampa Bay lineup tonight.
On a positive note, both Vasilevskiy and defenseman Ryan McDonagh returned to action tonight. Vasilevskiy missed the last seven games, while McDonagh missed 18.
Vasilevskiy stopped 18 shots.
With the loss, the Bolts fall to 18-13-3 and fourth in the Atlantic Division with 39 points. Fortunately, there is only a two-point difference between the Lightning and the current division leader, Detroit.
However, the Lightning will need to work harder for an entire 60 minutes each game to gain traction as the new year approaches.
Three Players of the Game
Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles. Scored twice to win the game for the Kings.
Anoton Forsberg, Los Angeles. Forsberg stopped 31 shots, including a phenomenal behind-the-back save in the third that robbed the Bolts of a tying goal.
Oliver Bjorkstrand, Tampa Bay. Scored his fifth goal of the season and his fourth on the power play.
Up Next
The Tampa Bay Lightning look to rebound against the Eastern Conference-leading Carolina Hurricanes Saturday night at Benchmark International Arena. Game time is 7 pm.
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