|
 Kopitar's power-play goal late in the second period lifted the Kings
to a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames at Staples Center on
Tuesday night.
Kopitar, who has five goals in his last five games, returned after
missing Los Angeles' 2-1 decision over the Nashville Predators on
Saturday with a lower-body injury. His 18th goal of the season was
the difference as the Kings (35-20-4) increased their lead in the
Pacific Division to four points over the idle Anaheim Ducks.
"We did grind it out," said Kopitar, who is tied with left winger
Milan Lucic for the club lead in game-winners. "Maybe we didn't play
our best game, but this time of the year that doesn't really matter
as long as you get the two points. But we certainly realize there is
room for improvement."
Goaltender Jonathan Quick stopped 22 of 23 shots for the Kings, who
have won two of their past three contests. Quick earned his 30th win
of the season, reaching that level for the second year in a row and
the fifth time in his career.
"He was unbelievable," said defenseman Luke Schenn, who produced the
Kings' other goal. "What do you say? He's at the top of the game,
for sure. He made some big saves at big times, but it's what you've
come to expect from Quick."
Goalie Joni Ortio, in his first start since Oct. 30, recorded 35
saves for the Flames, who have allowed 32 goals in their last eight
contests. Calgary (26-30-3) fell to the Kings for the second time
this season and lost for the fifth game in the past six outings
overall.
"He played very well," Flames coach Bob Hartley said of Ortio. "He
gave us a chance; he kept us in the game. I felt that he was real
solid, was tracking the puck well. You could feel that he was on his
game."
The Kings, who wore their throwback purple-and-gold jerseys they
debuted in their inaugural season in 1967, never trailed.
Los Angeles grabbed a 1-0 lead at 9:41 of the second period when
Schenn buried a winner past defenseman Mark Giordano and Ortio off a
pass from left winger Tanner Pearson. It was Schenn's fourth goal
this season and his second as a King.
"The puck just sort of came rolling up the wall there," Schenn said.
"I just tried to get it off quick and surprise the goalie. I knew
there was traffic in front, and it was kind of a lucky (shot) and it
found a way through. You definitely take those when they come."
Calgary countered with a power-play goal at 11:56 of the second
period when right winger Jiri Hudler found center Sean Monahan in
front of the net to tie the score at 1. For Monahan, it was his 18th
goal of the season.
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Kopitar gave the Kings the lead for good, converting a pass from
defenseman Drew Doughty for a power-play goal and a 2-1 advantage
with 2:33 left in the second.
Los Angeles outshot Calgary 13-3 in the first period and 17-9 in the
second. The Flames had an 11-7 edge in shots during the third
period.
"At the start, they had a lot of possessions and zone time on us, so
it kind of takes the momentum (away)," Monahan said. "But after that
goal there, we kind of picked it up and we were getting shots
through."
Added Hartley, "I can't fault the effort. It seemed like we were
skating better, we were generating scoring chances, we had pucks in
the blue paint, and we just couldn't get the equalizer."
NOTES: An announced crowd of 18,230 attended. ... The Kings honored
former LW Mike Donnelly as part of their "Legends Night Series."
Donnelly, who works in the club's player development department,
played five seasons with the Kings from 1990-1995. ... Los Angeles
captured the previous meeting 4-1 on Dec. 31 at the Scotiabank
Saddledome in Calgary. The teams meet again March 31 at Staples
Center and April 5 in Calgary. ... Los Angeles is 8-0-0 when LW
Tanner Pearson scores, but he managed only an assist Tuesday. ...
Flames C Josh Jooris played his 100th career game. ... Calgary
scratched D Kris Russell and Matt Stajan. LW Michael Mersch, D Kevin
Gravel and C Jordan Nolan were unavailable for the Kings. ... Both
clubs resume play Thursday. The Flames return home to face the New
York Islanders, and the Kings host the Edmonton Oilers.
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