Kings-Devils: Kings' Explosive Second Period Buries Devils

Game Recap

The Los Angeles Kings continued their winning ways in New Jersey on Saturday night as they took down the Devils 3-1, making the Kings 6-1-0 in their last seven games. 

The offense for the Kings took a while to get going but when they did they were quite effective against a very good defensive team but in the second period would be a different story.

After a first period full of power-play chances, the Kings would finally capitalize with Jared Stoll scoring a power play goal midway through the second period and that goal would stimulate the rest of the Kings offense.

Just over two minutes later, the Kings would beat Devils goaltender Scott Clemmensen once again with an even strength goal by star forward Anze Kopitar but the Kings second period was not over yet.

Another two minutes would pass and the Kings would have yet another chance to put the Devils away as Patrick O'Sullivan would be awarded a penalty shot on quite a peculiar play.

The play that I am referring to was a play in the Devils crease in which New Jersey defense men Mike Motto would cover the puck with his glove in the goal crease, in the NHL rulebook, this type of infraction results in the opposing team receiving a penalty shot.

O'Sullivan would make an easy move past the young New Jersey net minder and put the Kings up 3-0.

The Devils would have plenty of time to recover but the deficit was just to cumbersome as they would only be able to muster one goal in the final frame. The win in New Jersey and the Kings recent play has solidified many peoples beliefs that the Kings are a team that could find its way in the playoffs come the end of April.

The Kings find themselves only two points out of a playoff spot and have played fewer games then most teams ahead of them. There is still plenty of time left in the season for the Kings to continue their push to the playoffs and to prove to the rest of the NHL that they are legit.

Three Stars of the Game

1. Patrick O'Sullivan (1 Goal, 1 Assist)

2. Jonathan Quick (25 Saves, 96.15 Save Percentage)

3. Anze Kopitar (1 Goal)

Fourth Star of the Game

Jared Stoll

Is there currently a hotter player on the Kings roster other than Stoll? Not likely. Stoll has recorded nine points in seven games and has a plus-minus rating of plus-four in those seven games as well.

Stoll was the first to score for the Kings in their win over the Devils and was a very positive presence for the Kings all night. Stoll's hot streak, along with the strong play of the Kings youth the Kings might surprise some people and squeak into the playoffs. 

Next Game

The Los Angeles Kings will not have far to travel as the Kings will visit the lowly New York Islanders on Tuesday night. This will be the lone game between the Kings and Islanders this season. Jonathan Quick will likely make his sixth consecutive start in goal, especially after his 25 save performance against one of the hottest offenses in the NHL.