In Los Angeles, Jonathan Quick made 19 saves on Saturday and the Kings defeated the Anaheim Ducks, 4-2.
After falling behind, 1-2, the Kings rallied with three straight goals for the win.
“I think we are where we want to be,” the Kings’ Quinton Byfield said. “Like you said, win and you get in. You don’t want to leave it up to anyone else, so it’s a great feeling right now and a great feeling in the locker room. A lot of guys haven’t been there, and I think it’s going to be a great experience. We have a lot of veterans as well who’ve been there, and they’re going to show us the way.”
LA is seven points clear of the Vegas Golden Knights for third in the Pacific Division.
The Kings improved to 43-27-10.
After LA took a 1-0 lead, the Ducks replied with goals from Trevor Zegras and Gerry Mayhew for a 2-1 lead.
“Our guys are playing as hard as they can,” Anaheim coach Dallas Eakins said. “It’s certainly not any fun going down the stretch like this, but I do give our guys credit. They’re sticking together. We’re in games against playoff teams. We can’t ask much more.”
LA responded with a tying goal from Matt Roy in the middle frame.
“I think individual records come from good teams, and I can’t score out there by myself,” Zegras said. “I played with a lot of good players since I’ve been here. Some are still here, some are gone, so I think it’s a compliment to them. But it doesn’t mean a whole lot to me, to be completely honest.”
Alexander Edler scored in the third for a 3-2 lead to LA.
“Tonight, Edler and Roy, good to see those two [score] because they’ve had some tough minutes lately against some pretty good players, more in a checking role, shutdown role,” Kings coach Todd McLellan said. “So to see them contribute, it’s a real good thing.”
Arthur Kaliyev scored to give the Kings a 1-0 lead in the game.
“With ‘Quickie’s’ play for us, maybe it was better that it went in that way than a real good play because the guys buckled down and wanted to play for him,” McLellan said. “So it’s a sign of a good team and guys playing for one another.”
Alex Iafallo hit an empty net goal for the 4-2 final.
Anthony Stolarz made 36 saves in the Ducks loss.
You must be logged in to post a comment.