LOS ANGELES — In a commanding performance, the Los Angeles Kings triumphed over the Carolina Hurricanes with a score of 7-2 on Saturday. This victory marked Andrei Kuzmenko`s first points as a King, contributing a goal and an assist since his recent trade to the team.
Key players for the Kings, Anze Kopitar, Tanner Jeannot, Quinton Byfield, and Kevin Fiala, each tallied a goal and an assist. Adrian Kempe and Trevor Moore also contributed to the score, while goaltender David Rittich stood strong, blocking 34 shots.
For the Hurricanes, Dmitry Orlov and Mark Jankowski managed to score. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov faced a tough night, allowing 7 goals on 25 shots as Carolina`s impressive eight-game winning streak came to an abrupt end.
Kuzmenko, who joined the Kings on March 7, quickly made his presence felt. He assisted on Kopitar`s power-play goal, extending the lead to 2-0, and then scored his own goal just before the end of the first period.
The Kings are counting on Kuzmenko to invigorate their power play and provide additional offensive support to Kopitar and Kempe. In the eight games since Kuzmenko`s arrival, Los Angeles has scored four power-play goals, with Kopitar and Kempe amassing a combined six goals and seven assists.
Key Game Insights
Hurricanes: The Hurricanes were missing key players, Jordan Staal (lower body injury) and Shayne Gostisbehere (illness). Further compounding their woes, Seth Jarvis sustained an injury in the third period.
Kings: The Kings have now achieved a 13-game home point streak, equaling a franchise record for consecutive home games without a regulation loss.
Turning Point
Kochetkov conceded nearly identical goals at the beginning and end of the first period. Kempe and Kuzmenko both scored with wrist shots from the right face-off circle on offensive rushes.
Notable Statistic
Anze Kopitar`s power-play goal was his 124th career goal with the man advantage, surpassing Dave Taylor for the third-highest in Kings history.
Looking Ahead
The Hurricanes are set to play against Anaheim on Sunday, while the Kings will host Boston on the same day.
