CHICAGO – There were those who worried about the Los Angeles Kings heading into Monday night’s contest including yours truly. The Kings had been shut out in their previous two games and a date with the defensively- (and offensively) potent Chicago Blackhawksin hostile territory seemed like the last thing they needed. To Los Angeles’ credit, though, they hung tight and despite trailing three times, were able to persevere and pull off the win salvaging their season series with the league’s best team.

Mar 25, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) is congratulated by his teammates for scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the United Center. The Kings beat the Blackhawks 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

After a relatively quiet first period where Michael Frolik put the Hawks out in front, the second was certainly did not lack any excitement as a combined five goals were scored.

Just 4:21 into the middle frame, Anze Kopitar got things started by sniping a beautiful top-corner shot into the back of the net for his 10^th to end the Kings’ scoreless drought and more importantly, tie the game. Then, a few minutes later, the Kings were shorthanded but that certainly didn’t faze Jarret Stoll as he found himself on a 2-on-1 with Trevor Lewis. Stoll elected to keep the puck and he chose right as he fired his seventh past Corey Crawford to give Los Angeles their first lead of the night.

At the 24:31 mark of the period, however, it was Michael Frolik potting his second of the night to tie the game. The score remained that way until the final minute of the second when Patrick Kane scored with just 41 seconds to go in the frame to regain the Hawks the lead. The wind appeared to be out of the Kings’ sails but not so.

With just one second to go in the frame (and while the arena announcer was announcing the Kane goal), Drew Doughty made a beautiful single-handed effort as he deked out five defenders before having Dwight King rush in and tip in his fourth past Crawford to tie the game. After 40 minutes, it seemed the Kings now had the momentum.

With just under four minutes into the third, however, it was Chicago who regained the lead as captain Jonathan Toews made it 4-3. Los Angeles, however, was not done as just over four minutes later, Tyler Toffoli wristed his second-career NHL goal past Crawford to once again knot things up.

The score remained tied and seemed to be heading into overtime. However, with just 1:27 to go in third, it was Los Angeles’ captain’s turn to shine as Dustin Brown potted his 12^th to give the Kings the late lead – and that was enough for the win as Los Angeles ends their two-game losing skid, kicking off their road swing on a positive note.

While he did allow four goals on 25 shots, Jonathan Quick was sharp when he had to be making timely saves not only to preserve the win but to keep his team in the game when they were trailing. The Kings offense meanwhile had a wake-up call as they were determined to put their lackluster effort against Vancouver on Saturday behind them and what better way to do that against the league’s best team in their home building.

The Kings peppered Corey Crawford with 36 shots and while the Montreal native has been great for much of the season, he wasn’t quite good enough on this night as the reigning champions showed why they are just that: champions.

There may have been a lot of skepticism heading into Monday night’s tilt for the Kings and their fans but after a performance like this (which is exactly what the doctor ordered) confidence is now riding high as the Kings prepare for their next game, a pivotal Thursday night matchup in the Gateway City against the St. Louis Blues. But first, the Los Angeles Kings have a more pressing matter as on Tuesday, the will be visiting The White House as they will continue the tradition of reigning champions visiting the President of the United States.

After closing out their homestand with back-to-back shutout losses, the Los Angeles Kings kick off a five-game road swing where things only get tougher as they face a Chicago Blackhawks team which is tied for the second-fewest goals against in the NHL.

Feb 17, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) looks for the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Monday night will mark the third and final meeting between the Kings and Hawks this season with Chicago winning the first two meetings, first on the opening day of the season (January 19) in Los Angeles and then again on February 17 in the Windy City. Unlike the last time these two teams met, the Blackhawks are no longer undefeated in regulation. With that said, there’s still enough firepower in that lineup to invoke fear in anyone.

While their defense and goaltending have been better in recent weeks, the Kings are in for a tough test as they are up against a Chicago team which is currently second in the league with 3.27 goals per game. However, rust could play a factor as the Hawks have not played since Wednesday night when they lost to the Anaheim Ducks. Of course, that was away from the United Center but Monday night, the Hawks will play in their home building where they are 11-1-1 so far. Away from Staples Center meanwhile, the Kings are an unimpressive 5-8-1. Needless to say that a reversal of fortune is just what Los Angeles needs to kick off their road trip.

As any team needs to, the Kings will need to contain Chicago’s big three in Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa should they hope to salvage the season series. Toews and Hossa each have two goals against the Kings this season while Kane leads the way for his team with 16 goals. In addition, there will also be a need to contain Patrick Sharp who has had his share of success against the Kings as have defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.

The United Center will be hopping on Monday night and it is up to Los Angeles Kings to quiet the Blackhawks faithful early and often. Of course, they will need to put added pressure on whichever netminder starts from the home team: Corey Crawford or Ray Emery.

Can the Kings avoid a three-game losing streak and get off on the right foot away from Staples? We’ll just have to see.

Enjoy the game!