Kempe’s Hat Trick Leads Kings Past Sharks 7-2

Kempe scored twice in the first period and completed his hat trick with a power-play goal late in the second as the Kings built a commanding lead. He also had an assist in the win, and Quinton Byfield scored twice. Erik Haula and Joel Armia added goals, while Artemi Panarin recorded four assists.

Darcy Kuemper stopped 30 shots for Los Angeles. The Kings went 3 for 5 on the power play and led 3-0 after the opening period.

The hat trick marked Kempe’s 37th multigoal game with the Kings, moving him ahead of Dustin Brown into ninth place in franchise history. Kempe returned after sitting out a 3-2 loss to Buffalo on Saturday, sidelined by an injury that was not disclosed.

San Jose’s power play produced goals from Macklin Celebrini and Ivar Stenberg, with Erik Gustafsson assisting on both. Yaroslav Askarov made 20 saves. The Sharks have lost three straight. Defenseman Eric Pohlkamp made his NHL debut after a pregame promotion from the AHL.

San Jose visits Minnesota on Friday, while Los Angeles hosts Pittsburgh on Saturday.