The Los Angeles Kings need two things over the next few weeks, points and their challengers in the west to lose in regulation. They got one of those things last night as the San Jose Sharks lost in regulation to the Vancouver Canucks.
The other desire was lost as they fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins, 1-0, in extra time. In effect, not all was lost as they picked up a point.
The Pens’ goal came off the stick of Patric Hornqvist.
“L.A. is one of the toughest teams to play against,” Hornqvist said. “They’re so big and strong and fast, and they always play the same way. They chip it in. They go hard at our [defensemen] and their [defensemen] are pinching. It’s a really good win. We need to build on that. Now we know we can play with anyone.”
It was one of only 18 shots the Pens managed on the night.
On the other side, LA fired 31 shots on Marc-Andre Fleury.
“We played really well,” Kings coach Darryl Sutter said. “Tough nut to crack over there [against] Fleury. I don’t think there was a lot chances either way, but there was a lot of good chances. That’s the way it goes.”
Jonathan Quick took the loss on 17 saves.
“I think that’s what it was tonight, one lucky bounce,” Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin said. “Quick transition, bing-bang. Shot on net and in. It’s a tough way, but I thought we played well.”
LA trails the Calgary Flames by a point for the final wild card spot in the west. The Kings had been on a roll but have cooled off of late and now need to find that switch again and get their game back to post season form.
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