Kings can’t afford slow start in playoff chase game vs. Maple Leafs

The Los Angeles Kings are in a desperate tussle for a playoff spot and need to avoid another slow start Saturday night against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Kings (30-26-19, 79 points) fell behind the visiting Nashville Predators 3-0 Thursday before tying the game at 4 in the third period.

The Predators won in an eight-round shootout with Luke Evangelista scoring the lone goal to escape with the extra point that left them tied in points in the Western Conference standings with the Kings and the San Jose Sharks.