After a few rough weeks in the West in the Pacific Division this past month in December, the Los Angeles Kings (17-14-9) got a 5-4 shootout win on home ice on Jan. 3 over the Minnesota Wild (25-10-8) in the first of two straight games against them at Crypto.com Arena this week.
Quinton Byfield and the Los Angeles Kings defeat the Minnesota Wild in the shootout on a game-winner from defenseman Brandt Clarke
Like the first time these two teams met this regular season in the West, the Kings and Wild went to a shootout yesterday, tied after a high-scoring back-and-forth game in regulation on the ice and on the scoreboard for LA. Also, like the first time these two teams met in the West this regular season, a few months ago last fall, the Kings got three points from center Quinton Byfield and defenseman Brandt Clarke on the stat sheet.
Byfield and Clarke gave their thoughts to the media yesterday after the important shootout win over the Wild on home ice amid this four-game homestand in the West early this week.
Clarke and Byfield combined for three huge points, including the game-winning goal in the shootout for the Kings yesterday against the Wild from Clarke.
Here's a look at everything Byfield and Clarke said to the media postgame following the Kings' thrilling 5-4 shootout win over the Wild on home ice on Jan. 3.
Quinton Byfield
On how the Kings game-planned for the Wild's offensive weapons with the forward core yesterday
"We know they're a really good team. They got a lot of high-end, skilled players. So, first off, try to keep those guys off the board and defend, check for your chances. And I feel like we did that pretty well. There's a few lucky goals tonight for sure. But it was also nice to get the power play. Feels like we're in a groove and getting that going as well."
On getting the important two points in the standings in a close game in the shootout vs. Minnesota
"Those losses are so tough when you’re right there, let them back in the game. Feels like you’re giving them the game. Those ones sting, so it feels good to just close out the game somewhat and get it done in the shootout."
On if he's looking at the standings in the West in the Pacific Division
"Not too much, but it is at our breakfast table. Definitely see it a little bit. We always know where we sit, but it's still at the halfway point right now, so there's still a lot of hockey left to go."
On the goal Corey Perry scored on special teams on the power play
"[Perry] has been doing that for 20 years, so when he’s in front of the net, you want to get there as much as we can, and he’s always making the right play down there, and he’s got so much skill, you want to get him to the puck as much as we can. Clarkie’s playing great hockey, and then Kuzy’s also really good on the power play. I feel like it’s a good unit and we’ve got to keep rolling here."
On how he's feeling about his game right now for the Kings
"Honestly, you look at the stats, probably not where you want to be but for myself, feel like there’s still a lot of games left and I’m still giving the effort, just trying to check and win games. I’m starting to play against team’s top lines and I take a lot of responsibility in that, trying to shut them down, but also being productive offensively. I think there’s still a lot more to come."
Brandt Clarke
On scoring the game-winning goal in the shootout yesterday vs. Minnesota
"No process. I come in on that side and just take what the goalie gives me, and I felt like he thought I was going to go five hole or short side or something like that, and I give myself the option to go far side too. So, it was there, and I took it, and Darce made a great save, and we won. Checked all the boxes for me. I was pretty happy."
On how the Kings responded after the loss to Tampa Bay in the third period vs. Minnesota
"Every time if we took the lead, if they got it back, we weren't wavering on the bench. You could hear up and down the bench. The veterans are still saying we got this game. This is our game. Let's keep doing what we're doing. We're going to find a way to win and we did. They were right. Credit to our leadership group, they're incredible. I think it was a full 20-man effort tonight that got the job done. These are the ones that we're proud of.
We're happy we set the tone and we get to play them again Monday with this already in mind. So, it's good."
On the goal Sammy Helenius scored in the third period vs. Minnesota
"We were thrilled. Everyone was so happy. You could see I was behind him in the train when he was coming back to the bench. Everyone was so happy for him. He's such a good guy and puts in the work every single day. Even when he's not in the lineup, he's got such a good attitude, and we're thrilled. That's the kind of group we have where we're just happy for everybody. It was a cool moment."
On being ready for the opportunity in the shootout yesterday
"Yeah, I was ready. We do it in practice sometimes, and they like my conversion rate, I guess you could say. I was ready to go. They told me if it goes to four guys, I'm going to go. So I was just watching the goalie while other guys came in on him, and seeing how he was setting up, and then tried to breathe a little bit. Sometimes, sitting there a while, it can get to you, but I tried to take some deep breaths, and I got out there and converted. So, I was pretty happy."
On how the team played in the second period and third period vs. Minnesota
"Absolutely. Jimmy emphasized that in the first intermission. We've had good first 20s in the last week or two, and we come up flat in the second period and don't get a lot of shots to the net. So, that's something we were trying to change today. Just try to funnel more pucks, stay on them, stay on their D. They have a really good D core, so can't really give them time and space, and want to play in their own end because they love making plays in the offensive zone. We were pretty happy with how we came out."