The Kings continued their recent hot play with another victory today in Washington.
It was a solid game all around, especially defensively and in goal. However, the surge in offense (four goals) was a welcome change for a team who just couldn’t find the back of the net in their last game.
After the jump are video highlights, but first some notes:
* Anze Kopitar scored his first goal in 11 games and only his second in 21. He was playing with new linemates, flanked by Michal Handzus on the left and Wayne Simmonds on the right. Having Simmonds by his side wasn’t entirely new, they’ve spent time together over the last few seasons – most notably last year when Justin Williams went down with an injury. Together the line produced two goals and six points vs. the Capitals.
* Jonathan Bernier continued his strong play in net. With the one allowed today, he’s now given up just five goals in his last four starts. Expect him to start again against vs. Columbus on Wednesday.
* A few weeks back, in an interview here on MayorsManor, Andrei Loktionov seemed to indicate he preferred playing center. Around the same time, coach Terry Murray said he had no plans to move him off Kopitar’s wing. When that changed yesterday it was hard not to imagine Loktionov being a little more than excited. And it paid off today when he scored on Kyle Clifford rebound.
* Jarret Stoll, the only non-European player to score in the game, picked up his second goal in as many games. And it was a beauty on a two-on-one from Justin Williams.
* Kevin Westgarth had a fight for the second game in a row (pretty much a draw with DJ King) and there’s a good chance he’ll find a dance partner tomorrow and/or in New York.
* Drew Doughty led all Kings players with 24:28 of total ice time, just a few seconds shy of Alexander Ovechkin’s 24:35 for tops in the game.
* Washington’s Mike Green was a -3 for the day.
If you missed any of the pre-game articles – featuring comments from Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson and Westgarth – take a look here.
Video highlights…
The Mayor
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