Andrei Kuzmenko and the Los Angeles Kings (18-14-9) rallied together while being shorthanded with the active forward lines group to beat the Minnesota Wild (25-11-8) in regulation in the third period in clutch time by a score of 4-2 on Monday night (Jan. 5). Kuzmenko provided some immaculate offense and highlight-reel plays in the final frame in the third period for the Kings early this week vs. Minnesota on home ice.
Big games from Andrei Kuzmenko and Darcy Kuemper gets the Los Angeles Kings a big regulation win vs. Minnesota
The Kings also got great goaltending in between the pipes early this week from starting goalie Darcy Kuemper. The reigning Vezina Trophy finalist, Kuemper stopped over 30 shots and held the Wild to a shutout on the scoreboard in the game's opening frame in the first period.
Kuemper and Kuzmenko gave their takeaways to the media after the big two-goal win over the Wild in regulation on Monday night.
This was a very impressive and resilient win on home ice for the Kings and head coach Jim Hiller early this week on Monday night vs. Minnesota in the West.
Here's a look at everything Kuemper and Kuzmenko said to the media postgame following the Kings' 4-2 regulation win over the Wild at home on Jan. 5.
Darcy Kuemper
On his thoughts from the win vs. Minnesota
"I think we started playing a little bit more together. That’s what it takes to be successful in this league. The way our team is built, we need everyone going every night, playing for each other. We addressed it a few days ago and I think the last two games were great examples of us doing that."
On how the team rallied together shorthanded down to 10 forwards to beat Minnesota
"It’s guys picking up their games to help the guys that are out of the lineup and guys stepping into bigger roles and playing more minutes, cherishing that opportunity and going out and playing like they did tonight."
On how the Kings felt playing Minnesota on home ice in two straight games this week
"It's rare to play the same team two in a row, especially both at home. I think that helped with energy. It was a little bit of a playoff feel, just a little bit of carryover from the last game. It's fun to play in those emotional games."
On the impact Andrei Kuzmenko had on the game
"He’s got such quick hands and can cut back so fast like he did on that goal. It’s awesome to see him get going like that. He was a real difference maker tonight."
On how he feels a few games after coming back from the injury for the Kings
"I’ve been just trying to grow my game each game. Tonight’s the game that I’ve definitely felt the most like myself. It’s been nice to get back in there and get my feet back under me. I just want to keep building."
On how the defense played in front of him vs. Minnesota
"The D were doing such a great job. They’re a big, dangerous team in front of the net, and they were taking away second chances. They’re also pretty crafty with passes to the back post, and the d-men did such a good job of breaking those up all night. That allowed me to be confident and play the shooter."
Andrei Kuzmenko
On how he's played with Fiala and Turcotte
"Yes. It's great. I like this line. This is so great because these two guys support me. I like it and so faster two guys and Kevin and Turc is a big help to me and I think they are happy to play with me I hope and really great support to me in the defensive zone. But we can little bit better every game because we have a lot of chances."
On how the Kings can build confidence after this win vs. Minnesota
"Yes, this season so hard for us. So not good play but I hope I hope every day is better and these two wins is so important to us because Minnesota is a great team a lot of great players and probably top the league now and great power play in Minnesota."