LOS ANGELES – Jeff Carter had a double, Jonathan Quick recorded his fifth shutout of the season and the Los Angeles Kings leapfrogged the Anaheim Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division with their 3-0 victory over the Calgary Flames at Staples Center on Thursday Night.
Carter scored twice in the second period and Andy Andreoff added a goal in the third as Los Angeles won their 46th game of the season, tying a franchise record.
"It's a good win for us," Carter said. "We need to get some wins and get some points. We still have a long ways to go. We had some break downs and what not you could call it a step in the right direction."
Quick stopped 21 shots en route to his 42nd career shutout, extending his own NHL record for most among American-born goalkeepers. Anze Kopitar had two assists on his own bobblehead night that featured him and his dog, Gustl.
Calgary thought they scored at the end of the second period, when Mikael Backlund appeared to have found the back of the net on a wristshot from the left-hand side. The goal was immediately waved off for goalkeeper interference as Lance Bouma was in the crease, and made incidental contact with Quick. After a coach's challenge by Bob Hartley, the call remained and Quick's shutout was still intact.
The Kings have five games remaining in the regular season as they try and earn their second ever Pacific Division title.
Players of the Night:
Anze Kopiatar – Two assists.
Jonathan Quick – 21 saves. Shutout.
Andy Andreoff – Goal.
Jeff Carter – Two goals.
Three Takeaways:
Sports
Get today's sports news out of Los Angeles. Here's the latest on the Dodgers, Lakers, Angels, Kings, Galaxy, LAFC, USC, UCLA and more LA teams.
1. Kopitar Caps Off Bobblehad Night: Anze Kopitar capped off his bobblehead night with two assists to lead the Kings. His one-of-a-kind bobblehead featured his dog, Gustl who was in attendance for the game.
It's Anze & Gustl Kopitar Bobblehead night at the #LAKings game! Presented by @MercuryIns pic.twitter.com/VUrrDRynMd — LA Kings (@LAKings) April 1, 2016
2. The Savardian Spin-o-rama: Jeff Carter's second goal of the night was served on a platter thanks to Kings forward Milan Lucic. Lucic was racing towards the left side of the net when he was checked by a Calgary defender. Lucic had the wherewithal to do a 360 degree spin while delivering the puck to a wide-open Jeff Carter in front of the net. "I knew I couldn't get a shot so I just did a little spin-o-rama move and it ended up working out."
Milan Lucic Set Up A Goal With This Amazing Spin-O-Rama Pass Through A Defenders Legs - https://t.co/360WesJ3Qv - UPROXX — Viral Fun (@ViralFun1) April 1, 2016
3. Bob Saget in the 'Full House': Comedian and actor, Bob Saget, was in attendance for the LA Kings 3-0 victory over the Flames. Saget looked stunned when he was shown on the jumbotron next to a beautiful younger woman during the Kings' "Kiss Cam."
Why it’s @FullerHouse star, Bob Saget, on the @LAKings Jumbotron at Staples Center! pic.twitter.com/AvHraIYbdU — The Royal Half (@theroyalhalf) April 1, 2016
Up Next:
The Calgary Flames (32-40-6) travel back to Canada where they will play the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Kings (46-26-5) will have their hands full on Saturday afternoon when they host the Central Division-leading Dallas Stars at Staples Center.
