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Watch: Kings defenseman's first career goal completes L.A. comeback
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Kings defenseman's first career goal completes L.A. comeback

Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke picked an excellent time for his first career NHL goal. 

His wrist shot 4:33 into overtime sealed the Kings' 5-4 comeback win against the Bruins. 

The No. 8 overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Clarke had only appeared in 16 career games, including seven in 2023-24, entering Saturday.

A shoulder injury has limited him this season, but Clarke made his biggest play as a pro with his winning goal in overtime.

The goal saved Clarke from being the scapegoat in a loss. Earlier in the overtime period, he was called for a hooking penalty against Bruins right wing David Pastrnak, but the Kings killed Boston's power play right before Clarke's winner.

He came out of the penalty box and received a pass from center Phillip Danault on a breakaway for Danault's 21st assist of the year.

The Bruins (32-12-11) held a 4-3 lead for the majority of the third period, but Kings center Anze Kopitar scored an empty net power play goal with 1:35 remaining in regulation to force overtime.

With the win, the Kings (26-16-10) have 62 points and hold the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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