In Los Angeles, the Kings scored twice ni the first period and held on for a 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night.
The Kings are three points clear of the Vegas Golden Knights who were shut out, 4-0, by the Edmonton Oilers Saturday.
LA improved to 40-27-10.
Dustin Brown opened the scoring in the first to give LA a 1-0 lead.
Jonathan Quick made 21 saves in the Kings win.
“‘Quickie’ has got lots of experience, two Stanley Cups, one MVP,” LA’s Phillip Danault said. “He’s still outstanding. He’s still battling with his heart on the line every night for us. Made some huge saves. ‘Quickie’ can change the game by himself. He’s been outstanding all year for us.”
Sean Kuraly was the lone striker for the Blue Jackets.
“We knew what to expect since they’re fighting for a playoff spot and we were a must-win for them since we’re on the outside looking in here,” Columbus’ Carson Meyer said. “We knew what was going to happen, but we didn’t quite match their intensity in the first period. I thought we played well in the second and third, but we were kind of playing catch-up at that point.”
Columbus dropped to 35-34-6.
“They’re pretty stiff there,” Columbus coach Brad Larsen said. “I don’t know how many shots they blocked tonight. Seemed like a ton. I wasn’t surprised. I mean, they’re trying to win the hockey game. If they got to win it 2-1, I think they’re more than happy to do that.”
Danault also scored in the first to give the Kings the 2-0 lead.
“Obviously, the last game, we were not satisfied, not happy, so we had to bounce back, which we did right away in the game,” Danault said, referring to a 9-3 loss at the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. “Big two points, and every single game is going to be big until the end, so it’s a do or die.”
Elvis Merzlikins made 36 saves in the Jackets loss.
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