In Los Angeles, the Kings surrendered two first period goals to the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night before rallying with four unanswered goals in a 4-2 win.
It was first win of the season for LA.
Adrian Kempe scored the tie-breaking, game-winning goal late in the third period.
“I knew [Kempe] was standing in front,” Anze Kopitar (two assists) said. “I was trying to surprise the goalie and their defense. I wanted to make a quick play and it ended up working out.”
Jonathan Quick made 24 saves for the win.
Drew Doughty and Gabriel Vilardi got the Kings even with two power play goals.
“It wasn’t a Picasso, but we don’t need the perfection right now,” Kings head coach Todd McLellan said. “It was a happy night at the end, but it was a stressful night throughout.”
Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen had staked the Avs to a seemingly easy 2-0 lead and potential win in the first period.
“Well, the difference in the hockey game was special teams tonight,” Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said. “I thought our penalty kill, it was an off day. They took their shots and opportunity. They’re a hardworking power-play.”
Hunter Miska made 23 saves in the loss; it was his first NHL start.
“I thought we were the ones really forcing the play 5-on-5 and attacking, had some zone time and some good looks, and Quick made some good stops,” the Avs’ Gabriel Landeskogsaid. “We invite them back in the game at least, and then obviously the third it’s still a wide-open hockey game. … So unfortunate to get one there with a few minutes left.”
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