The Blue Jackets dropped their fourth straight game in a 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

It's also their second loss in a row to start a four-game West Coast road trip that has games left Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks (8 p.m.) and Tuesday night in Seattle.

Here's a blog roll with updates and analysis from before and during the game:

FINAL: Los Angeles Kings 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Despite getting off to a good start and scoring the game's first goal, the Blue Jackets lost their 1-0 lead early in the second and never pulled even again while losing their fourth straight game (0-3-1).

Elvis Merzlikins takes the goaltending loss for Columbus, which got its goals from Dmitri Voronkov and Ivan Provorov. David Rittich gets the win in net for the Kings, whose goals were scored by Vladislav Gavrikov, Warren Foegele, Trevor Lewis, Alex Laferriere and Clarke.

"I'm not saying we gave goals (away), because they took advantage of some stuff, but the first goal we turn it over, the second goal we make a huge (defensive) mistake and the third goal we turn it over," Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason said during the FanDuel Sports Network postgame show. "That's three goals, and when we've got a 1-0 lead, in key areas of the ice we have to make the right reads or clearly not turn the puck over in key areas of the ice, in order to (not) give teams momentum to come back after us ... and we did that here tonight."

GOAL, 3rd 19:30 (PP): Los Angeles Kings 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Brandt Clarke seals it for the Kings with a power-play goal scored into an empty net from the high slot. Disappointing finish for the Blue Jackets, who had a 1-0 lead to start this game.

3rd period, 15:07: Los Angeles Kings 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

The Kings are putting on a clinic in how to protect late leads, completely stifling the Blue Jackets' offense with great stick checks and swarming to the puck in all three zones. They've also closed off the middle third of the ice in their own zone and neutral zone for the last five minutes.

GOAL, 3rd period 7:05: Los Angeles Kings 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

The Kings regain a two-goal margin on a deflection goal by Alex Laferriere, who just got his stick on a shot from the point by defenseman Joel Edmundson. It's going to be a real uphill slog for the Blue Jackets now, trailing 4-2 against a big, heavy, defensive team that can make life difficult in the middle of the ice.

The goal is Laferriere's team-leading ninth of the season.

GOAL, 3rd period 0:49 (PPG): Los Angeles Kings 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

It only takes the Jackets 19 seconds to get the Moore shorty back, pulling back within a goal when Provorov slides down to the low slot to bang away at his own rebound until he nets his first goal of the season. Second assist of the game for Danforth, whose flubbed shot created the initial juicy rebound Provorov sent into the blue paint for his follow-up effort. Fantilli gets the second apple on the power-play goal for the Jackets' second unit.

GOAL, 3rd period 0:30 (SH): Los Angeles Kings 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Not the start the Blue Jackets needed at all. Trevor More hops on a turnover, skates it down and puts a shot from a sharp angle on the left wing past Merzlikins into the far corner for a two-goal lead. Ugly.

3rd period start: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

The puck is back in play out in Los Angeles, where the Blue Jackets get 1:40 of time on a power play to see if they can knot this game up quickly. After scoring six goals in each of their first four wins this season, they've scored just six goals in their past three-plus games.

2nd intermission: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Just as expected, the Kings charged out of the locker room after the first intermission and popped a couple goals into the Blue Jackets' net quickly to take a one goal lead. Vladislav Gavrikov netted the first one against his friend and former Blue Jackets teammate, Merzlikins, and Warren Foegele ― surprisingly a gritty NHL forward and not a classic American folk singer — scored the second.

2nd period, 19:40: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

The Kings now go a man down after Samuel Helenius is sent off with 19.8 seconds left in the second for cross-checking Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski.

The Blue Jackets put two shots on net before time ran out in the period, but Rittich stopped both Werenski and Sean Monahan to keep L.A. ahead by a goal with a period left to play. Columbus has 1:40 of power-play time left starting the second.

2nd period, 15:29: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Another big penalty kill for the Blue Jackets springs Adam Fantilli from the penalty box after his delay-of-game penalty for putting the puck out of play from the defensive zone. The Kings only put one shot on net during the man-advantage, which made Columbus 3-for-3 killing penalties tonight.

2nd period, 9:06: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier and Kings defenseman Andreas Englund went after a loose puck behind the Kings' net and wound up in a tussle afterward.

It looked like Olivier sensed an opportunity to nix the Kings' momentum to start this second period and offered an invitation Englund couldn't refuse. The scrap didn't amount to much, but Olivier wound up on top at the end. Both serving their time in the box.

2nd period, 7:03: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Rittich comes up huge with a pad stop to deny Cole Sillinger off a breakaway chance that could've tied it up. Sillinger likes to shoot for the five hole in breakaway scenarios, but Rittich sniffed this one out in time to give the Kings an emotional lift.

GOAL, 2nd period 6:12: Los Angeles Kings 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1

Warren Foegele puts L.A. up 2-1 off a great pass from Akil Thomas, who scooped the puck off a turnover in the neutral zone and quickly turned it back toward the Blue Jackets' net. Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek got caught up ice, giving the Kings an odd-man rush against Merzlikins.

GOAL, 2nd period 4:16: Columbus Blue Jackets 1, Los Angeles Kings 1

Who else would ties this up for the Kings than Vladislav Gavrikov, who was Merzlikins' closest friend during his time with the Blue Jackets. The Kings defenseman wristed one past his buddy over the glove side shoulder and under the crossbar through traffic early in the second.

Gavrikov unleashed his patented "cellphone" goal celebration while Merzlikins let out his frustration with a shout.

2nd period start: Columbus Blue Jackets 1, Los Angeles Kings 0

The puck is down in LaLa land with the Blue Jackets up by a goal in their quest to top the Kings and end a three-game skid.

1st intermission: Columbus Blue Jackets 1, Los Angeles Kings 0

Columbus takes a slim one-goal margin into the locker room for the first break, powered by Merzlikins' six saves and Voronkov's goal late in the period.

As far as shots got, there wasn't a lot of action in the first 20 minutes. That's a good thing for the Blue Jackets, who'd like to keep building on their play in the defensive zone from the OT loss Tuesday in San Jose.

Columbus won the advanced metrics battle in the opening period with 55.6% of the 5-on-5 shot attempts (10-8), 53.9% of the unblocked attempts (7-6), 71.4% of the shots on goal (5-2), 75% of the high-danger chances (3-1) and 69.5% of expected goals (0.61-0.27).

Expect the Kings to come out with a strong push to start the second.

GOAL, 1st period 13:26: Columbus Blue Jackets 1, Los Angeles Kings 0

The Blue Jackets get the scoring started with Dmitri Voronkov's first goal of the season. He scored it just the way coach Dean Evason wants him scoring goals. The hulking power forward crashed down the slot to the net and had a pass from Danforth on the right wing deflect off him into the net.

Beautiful goal for those who appreciate that sort of play, guys like Evason.

1st period, 8:55: Columbus Blue Jackets 0, Los Angeles Kings 0

The Kings get the game's first power play after Blue Jackets forward Mikael Pyyhtia is called for hooking nearly nine minutes into the game. Columbus has only allowed one power-play goal in the its past four games coming into this one.

Game start: Columbus Blue Jackets 0, Los Angeles Kings 0

It's very early, but both teams have a shot on goal.

Who are the officials for tonight's Blue Jackets-Kings game?

Referees: Carter Sandlak, Peter MacDougall

Linesman: Brandon Gawryletz, Jonathan Deschamps

Blue Jackets' scratches

As expected, James van Riemsdyk and Jordan Harris will watch from the press box tonight, while Kent Johnson is out hurt.

The Kings' scratches are Kyle Burroughs, Caleb Jones and Tanner Jeannot.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings: Statistical matchup

According to Natural Stat Trick, the Kings have significant advantages in all key 5-on-5 statistical measures, including attempted shots percentage (CF%), unblocked attempts percentage (FF%), shots on goal percentage (SF%), goals for percentage (GF%), scoring chances for percentage (SCF%), high-danger chances for percentages (HDCF%) and expected goals-for percentage (xGF%).

Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings: Goaltending matchup

Columbus: Elvis Merzlikins gets his second straight start for the Blue Jackets after a tough-luck loss Tuesday in San Jose, where he stopped 25 of 27 shots in a 2-1 overtime loss that was dominated by Columbus in every measure except goals. Prior to allowing all six goals in the Jackets' 6-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 1, Merzlikins was outstanding in three prior outings, including a 2-0 shutout of the New York Islanders on Oct. 30 at Nationwide Arena. Merzlikins is 2-3-1 in six appearances with a 2.69 goals-against average, .910 save percentage and one shutout.

Los Angeles: David Rittich didn't participate in the Kings' optional morning skate Saturday, which indicates he's their likely starter against the Blue Jackets. Rittich and Darcy Kuemper have split the net almost evenly thus far, with the former carrying a 4-3-0 record with a 2.77 GAA and .884 save percentage into the game. Rittich is 2-2-1 with a 2.65 GAA, .917 save percentage and one shutout in six career games against Columbus, including two losses (0-2-0) in 2022-23 with the Winnipeg Jets in his most recent action against the Blue Jackets.

Columbus Blue Jackets lineup at Los Angeles Kings

Here's how the Blue Jackets are expected to look tonight at Crypto.com Arena:

Forward lines

Yegor Chinakhov — Sean Monahan — Kirill Marchenko

Cole Sillinger — Adam Fantilli — Mikael Pyyhtia

Dmitri Voronkov — Justin Danforth — Mathieu Olivier

Zach Aston-Reese — Sean Kuraly — Kevin Labanc

Defense pairings

Zach Werenski — Ivan Provorov

Jake Christiansen — Damon Severson

Jack Johnson — David Jiricek

Goalies

Elvis Merzlikins

Daniil Tarasov

Scratched: D Jordan Harris, F James van Riemsdyk

Injured: F Boone Jenner (shoulder surgery), D Erik Gudbranson (shoulder surgery), F Kent Johnson (shoulder) and F Gavin Brindley (fractured finger)

Los Angeles Kings lineup vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Forward lines

Kevin Fiala — Anze Kopitar — Adrian Kempe

Akil Thomas — Phillip Danault ― Trevor Moore

Alex Laferriere — Quinton Byfield — Warren Foegele

Andre Lee ― Samuel Helenius — Trevor Lewis

Defense pairings

Mike Anderson — Vladislav Gavrikov

Joel Edmundson — Brandt Clarke

Andreas Englund — Jordan Spence

Goalies

David Rittich

Darcy Kuemper

Scratched: D Kyle Burroughs, D Caleb Jones

Suspended: F Tanner Jeannot (3 games for illegal hit)

Injured: D Drew Doughty (ankle), C Alex Turcotte (upper body), F Arthur Kaliyev (fractured clavicle)

Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings history

• All-time record: The Blue Jackets are 27-32-1 with one tie in 67 games against the Kings, including 10-21-2 with one tie in Los Angeles. The Kings swept both games last season and have won three straight over the Blue Jackets, including a 5-1 domination on Feb. 20 at Crypto.com Arena last season.

• Last meeting: Adam Boqvist scored the lone goal for the Blue Jackets, who were outmuscled and overwhelmed in a 5-1 loss to the Kings on Feb. 20 of last season in Los Angeles. Former Blue Jackets center Pierre-Luc Dubois led the way with two goals, while Quinton Byfield, Kevin Fiala and Drew Doughty scored the other three.

• 2024 matchups: Nov. 9 in Los Angeles; Jan. 25 in Columbus

Who are the officials for Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings?

Referee: Carter Sandlak (29)

Referee: Peter MacDougall (38)

Lines official: Brandon Gawryletz (64)

Lines official: Jonathan Deschamps (80)

Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings betting odds

Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Saturday, Nov.9

• Spread: Blue Jackets (-1.5)

• Over/under: 6

• Moneyline: Blue Jackets +170, Kings -210

Columbus Blue Jackets news

• 3 takeaways from the Blue Jackets' missed opportunity in San Jose

• Blog rewind: Sharks top Blue Jackets in OT on Wennberg snipe

• Blue Jackets notes: coaching staff sends a message

• 3 takeaways from the Blue Jackets' flop in D,.C.

• Capitals jump out early, rout Blue Jackets

• 3 takeaways from the Blue Jackets' humbling loss to Winnipeg

Columbus Blue Jackets November 2024 schedule, record

Here's a look at the Blue Jackets' schedule for November, along with start times, television, and radio information of upcoming games:

• Friday, Nov. 1: Blue Jackets vs Winnipeg Jets (L, 6-2); Takeaways; Photos

• Saturday, Nov. 2: Blue Jackets at Capitals (L, 7-2); Takeaways

• Tuesday, Nov. 5: Blue Jackets at Sharks (OTL, 2-1); Takeaways

• Saturday, Nov. 9: Blue Jackets at Kings | 9 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan

• Sunday, Nov. 10: Blue Jackets at Ducks | 8 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan

• Tuesday, Nov. 12: Blue Jackets at Kraken | 10 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan

• Friday, Nov. 15: Blue Jackets vs Penguins | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 93.3 The Bus

• Saturday, Nov. 16: Blue Jackets at Canadiens | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan

• Monday, Nov. 18: Blue Jackets at Boston Bruins | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan

• Thursday, Nov. 21: Blue Jackets vs Lightning | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan

• Saturday, Nov. 23: Blue Jackets vs Hurricanes | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan

• Wednesday, Nov. 27: Blue Jackets vs Canadiens | 7:30 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan

• Friday, Nov. 29: Blue Jackets vs Calgary Flames | 3 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 93.3 The Bus

• November Record: 0-3-0, 7th place, Metropolitan Division

Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings records

• Records: Blue Jackets 5-5-2, 12 points, 7th place in the Metropolitan Division; Kings 8-4-3, 19 points, 2nd place in the Pacific Division

How can I watch or listen to Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings?

• TV channel: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio

• Streaming: ESPN+; FanDuel Sports Network app

• Radio: 97.1 The Fan; Blue Jackets website, Blue Jackets app

Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings start time

Date: Saturday, Nov. 9

Time: 9 p.m.

Location: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, Calif.)

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Blog replay: Kings deal Columbus Blue Jackets fourth straight loss