Anze Kopitar scored two goals, and rookie goaltender Calvin Petersen made 42 saves to lead the Los Angeles Kings to a 4-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday night.
The Kings, who sit at the bottom of the Pacific Division, have improved to 6-2-1 in their last nine games after enduring a difficult 1-9-1 stretch from mid-January to early February. Their victory also snapped Vegas’ franchise record-tying eight-game win streak. The Golden Knights hadn’t lost since Feb. 11 against Minnesota.
“They were hot, so we wanted to come in here and perform well,” Petersen said. “I think everyone did their job.”
Petersen shined against a Golden Knights team that was missing key player Mark Stone, who was out week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Of his 42 saves, 19 came in the third period as Vegas struggled to find the back of the net.
“I made the saves I needed to make, and it all worked out,” Petersen added.
This marked the second straight game where Petersen limited a playoff contender to just one goal, following a 36-save performance against Pittsburgh. Petersen, 25, has now made six starts this season, all since early February.
“We’re playing for pride and jobs next year,” Petersen said. “It’s a great opportunity for us young guys to play and help establish a foundation for next season.”
Trevor Lewis and Alex Iafallo also scored for the Kings, while Shea Theodore scored Vegas’ only goal. Marc-Andre Fleury, who had been riding a five-game win streak with a 1.60 goals-against average, made 13 saves but couldn’t hold off the surging Kings. Kopitar’s two goals in the first period, including one on the power play, set the tone early.
“They’re strong at home, so getting on the board first was crucial,” Kopitar said. “We’ve been playing well recently, and Cal [Petersen] was outstanding tonight. Winning on special teams was also key.”
The Kings capitalized on both of their power-play opportunities, taking advantage of a Vegas penalty kill that has struggled at home. After Lewis extended the Kings’ lead to 3-0 in the second period, Vegas finally got on the board with Theodore’s goal off a rebound from Max Pacioretty’s shot.
However, the Kings responded on the power play when Iafallo scored off a rebound, pushing their lead back to three goals. The Golden Knights, who had dominated in February with a 10-2-1 record, couldn’t replicate their recent form in this game.
“We might have been complacent after winning so much,” said Vegas forward Paul Stastny. “But we can’t afford to think like that with how tight the points race is.”
Game Notes:
- Vegas forward Mark Stone missed his second consecutive game with a lower-body injury. Coach Peter DeBoer indicated Stone does not need surgery and hopes to have him back before the playoffs.
- William Carrier is one game shy of his 200th career game.
- Since hiring Peter DeBoer, the Golden Knights are 12-4-2.
UP NEXT:
- Kings: Begin a nine-game homestand on Thursday against Toronto.
- Golden Knights: Finish their four-game homestand against New Jersey on Tuesday.