A really weird game that had three goals reversed or called back due to reviews and challenges early in the contest in the opening frame in the first period put a damper on an otherwise solid start in the back end of back-to-back games for the Los Angeles Kings (12-6-7) vs. the Vancouver Canucks (10-13-3) on Nov. 29.
Mikey Anderson and the Los Angeles Kings extend their point streak with a slow win over the Canucks in overtime
Jim Hiller and the Kings have won consecutive games on home ice at Crypto.com Arena for the first time this regular season after defeating the Canucks in the back end of back-to-back games yesterday.
It was a tough battle for the Kings, who had multiple defensemen, including Mikey Anderson and Joel Edmundson, play over 21 minutes of ice time vs. Vancouver on Nov. 29. Multiple Kings' forwards also played some of their most ice time minutes early this regular season yesterday, including wingers Trevor Moore and Alex Laferriere.
While neither Moore nor Anderson got points in yesterday's win over the Canucks, both were extremely active in the offensive zone and on special teams on the power play and the penalty kill at 5-on-4.
Anderson and Moore gave their reactions to the media after the win yesterday in a rock fight of a one-goal overtime victory over the Canucks from Vancouver.
The Kings are now in a first-place tie at the top of the standings in the Pacific Division in the West with the Anaheim Ducks, with 31 points.
Here's a look at everything Anderson and Moore said to the media postgame following the Kings' 2-1 overtime win over the Canucks at home at Crypto Arena on Nov. 29.
Trevor Moore
On his reaction to the overtime win over Vancouver yesterday
"They were competitive. Puck was bouncing out there, which made it tough. Overall, tough game, good win."
On playing through the early challenges and goals called back vs. Vancouver in the first period
"Yeah, obviously weird. I've never seen anything like that in my time. So, it was weird getting flow after that. A lot of guys sitting on the bench just waiting around. Thought we did a good job."
On the challenges of playing in so many close games and in overtime this season for the Kings
"I don't know if we think about it that way. I think that we have good D and good goaltending. So, we believe in them, obviously. We're playing tight games right now. They're low-scoring games for the most part. We like those games. Like to kind of sludge it up out, and we'll take it."
On playing games when both teams are coming off back-to-backs
"For some reason, whenever we play these, it feels like more of a low-scoring affair. Teams trying to make sure they're dialed in defensively, which I don't know if we were all the time. We had some odd-mans against. We got it done, which is good."
On the play of Anton Forsberg vs. Vancouver
"He was huge. He's been great all year. Gives us a lot of confidence, especially in the back-to-backs, and when you know that you have a guy back there that can make the save off the mistake. It feels good for them for sure."
Mikey Anderson
On the Kings having to get started and find their legs early in the first period on the back end of back-to-back games
"Not ideal, but I guess both teams go through it. So, kind of a slow whatever it was, first fiveish minutes, but almost felt like a restart when you get out of it. They're going through the same thing. So, they played yesterday with travel. So, just the way it went."
On having to overcome the early challenges and reviews to find success on the ice last night vs. Vancouver
"You get what, maybe one, two shifts and a half hour goes by real time, or whatever it is, so it’s hard to get your body into it, get your mind into it, but it slows it down. Good job by the guys, though, to find a way. I mean, not going to be pretty after that, but we found our rhythm as it went on."
On the Kings not having much room for errors playing in so many close games this season
"It’s been like that, I think, the last couple years too, we’ve had a lot of games even, maybe get an empty net here and there. This year, we’ve gone to overtime 10+ times already, so it’s right there, it’s one goal, stick on a puck in any way. You try and hopefully end up on the better side of it on more nights."
On if any fatigue sets in with the team playing in so many close one-goal games this season
"Yeah, it can be, I think, but also you don’t really think about it when you’re out there. I mean, when you’re playing, your adrenaline gets going, instincts take over. Maybe after the fact, if it goes one way or another, you think about it when you go home, but with the schedule this year, we play so fast, everyone’s kind of quick resets. You flush it and think about the next one."
On the penalty kill succeeding and getting in a rhythm lately for the Kings
"It's been good. I think it took a little bit to get a rhythm. We got two new defenseman killing. You throw Army in there, Laffs killing guys that maybe didn't kill as much last year. So, it took a little bit to get everyone going the same way, but I think we got to get a good groove going, good mojo. We're confident in what we're doing. So try and keep that up."
On Anton Forsberg playing well in net and playing the puck well from the net
"It helps a lot. One, it makes it harder on the forecheckers, knowing where to go, but if he can even bypass us and get it up to the forwards, makes everyone’s job a little bit easier, get it in their hands quicker and let them try and play offense. He was great tonight, big saves when we needed him, but playing the puck is good for us."