Kings: Los Angeles Finally Pulls One Out Against NY

After several embarrassing losses, the Kings finally managed to get a win against the Rangers on Sunday night. The win snapped a season long six game losing streak.

While everyone was busy watching the Vikings JV team get blown out in Philadelphia, I sat at home quite happy. The Kings finally pulled out a win for just the second time in 2018. After losing six games in a rather embarrassing fashion, Los Angeles defeated the Rangers at home 4-2. It was the first time Los Angeles scored four goals since they scored five on January 2nd.

The game didn’t look too promising at first, as New York came out firing early. They took the lead on a power play goal just four minutes into the game after a Marion Gaborik Hi-sticking call. The Rangers added another goal to make it 2-0 half way through the first period. Los Angeles essentially took control over the rest of the game, scoring four unanswered points en route to a much needed win.

Jake Muzzin scored his fourth goal of the season on a power play just thirty seconds into the second period. The penalty came off of a roughing call at the end of the first period, which resulted in a few fights breaking out. Michael Amadio scored just his second career goal a few minutes later, again on a power play. After Peter Holland was penalized for tripping Pearson, Amadio got a smooth pass from Martinez over the middle of the ice and he did not miss. His one-timer went past Henrik Lundqvist to tie the game.

Tanner Pearson added his own power play goal to finish off the high-scoring second period. That goal came after a slashing call came against New York. To wrap it all up, Trevor Lewis scored an empty net goal to seal the win. That easy shot from mid ice was Lewis’  12th goal of the season, matching his career high set last year.

Next: Kings' Schedule is a Problem

Jonathan Quick had a decent bounce back game after giving up multiple 4-goal games in January. He saved 21 out of the 23 shots on goal by New York. Anze Kopitar got himself yet another assist, giving him 30 on the year. Kopitar is quickly approaching his career high of 51 assists set in the 2011 season, with 35 games remaining on the year.

What’s Next: 

The Kings will travel to Vancouver tonight to take on the Canucks. Vancouver has struggled this year, putting them just above Arizona in the Pacific Division. The Canucks are 18-23-6 and sit roughly 24 points out of first place in the division. In fact, they are 13 points behind the Kings, who fell to fourth place after their woeful losing streaking. Vancouver has scored the third least goals in the league all season long.