In Los Angeles, the Kings’ Andreas Athanasiou and Trevor Moore scored 15 seconds apart in the third period to turn a tight 2-1 lead into a more comfortable 4-1 advantage, and a win, on Thursday night over the Chicago Blackhawks. 
“Obviously the guys have been battling hard all year and put us in a position where we’re in a good spot right now. And with these last few games, we really got to dial in and secure that place for the playoffs and just take it one game at a time,” Athanasiou said.
The win enabled the Kings to move to two points back of the idle Edmonton Oilers for second in the Pacific Division.
Jonathan Quick made 15 saves in the LA win.
“This is his time of year, and he has elevated his game,” Kings coach Todd McLellan said. “Players get into a zone, and I believe he’s found that zone, so put your money on 32 (starting against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday).”
Patrick Kane was the lone goal scorer for the Hawks.
“They’re a team that’s desperate, fighting for a playoff spot, and I think it showed,” Chicago’s Dylan Strome said.
Chicago dropped to 26-41-11, and are 2-9-2 in their last 13.
Phillip Danault scored to give LA a 1-0 lead in the first period, the goal came off the power play.
Anze Kopitar pushed the lead to 2-0 in the middle frame.
“Obviously whenever you can cushion the lead like that in the third period, it’s huge, and we got two quick ones,” Athanasiou said. “Definitely gave us a little more confidence and just a little bit of safety room, for sure.”
Collin Delia got the start for Chicago, but left the game after the Moore goal in the third period. He was cramping and could not continue.
“Playing out there, it was hot, and then facing all those shots, I’m sure you know wasn’t easy for him. I thought he played well,” Blackhawks coach Derek King said.
Kevin Lankinen made one save in relief.
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