In Los Angeles Wednesday night, Martin Jones made 26 saves in helping the San Jose Sharks to a 4-1 win over the Kings.
With the Pacific Division lead to protect, the Sharks got goals from rookies Kevin Labanc and Ryan Carpenter and one from Logan Couture in the fist period to take command of the game.
“We needed some contributions tonight,” Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer said. “It’s a tough situation. Back-to-back, playing last night at home, L.A.’s rested. We look at their home record, we knew this was going to be a really tough game. We challenged the group to have contributions from everybody.”
WATCH: All Sharks vs. Kings highlights
LA had won six straight at home before falling flat Wednesday.
“The first period wasn’t nearly as intense as it needed to be,” Kings captain Anze Kopitar said. “They scored two 2-on-1 goals. Giving odd-man rushes against a team like that, it’s certainly not the way to win.”
San Jose kept the pressure on after the first period and made sure the Kings were on their heels for the rest of the night.
“This is how we played last year down the stretch and in the playoffs,” Couture said. “When we get up on teams, it’s hard for teams to come back.”
Peter Budaj made 20 saves in the loss.
Dustin Brown was the lone Kings goal scorer; his goal went to video review as play continued after the goal. The video confirmed the goal hit net beyond the crossbar for a good goal.
Couture closed out the scoring with an empty-netter.
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