In Los Angeles Thursday night, Jeff Carter potted a hat trick in a 4-2 Kings win over the visiting Arizona Coyotes.
The Kings pushed themselves two points clear of the Anaheim Ducks for third place in the Pacific Division.
“It was an important win for us, and the guys dug down and found a way to get it done,” LA head coach John Stevens said.
The Ducks and Kings mix it up Friday night in Anaheim.
The Kings avoided the trap the Coyotes have been laying for playoff race teams with the win.
“Carter had a [heck] of a game,” Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet said. “He’s a world-class player.”
Jack Campbell made 20 saves in picking up the win.
“We knew we had to get this one. You want the pressure because it means you’re in the hunt, and it’s a big two points, Campbell said after getting the win.
Anze Kopitar added an empty-net goal for the final score.
Kevin Connauton and Max Domi scored for Arizona who dropped to 27-40-11.
“That’s a team fighting for a playoff spot, a lot of experience,” Domi said. “I think that can go in the memory bank and find ways to win that next year. It’s a good test for us, but a really good learning experience too.”
[WATCH:Â All Coyotes vs. Kings highlights]
Darcy Kuemper made 31 stops in taking the loss.
“I think the guys played like they’ve been playing this whole trip. They played hard. If you didn’t know, you wouldn’t have thought it was at the end of a 10-day road trip,” Kuemper said after the loss.
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