The night started on a somber note, but ended on a high note.
Tyler Toffoli took a two-on-one pass from Jeff Carter for the final goal, and the Los Angeles Kings won the season opener, 2-0, over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night at Staples Center.
"I thought we were pretty sharp. I think we had a lot of chances and we were moving the puck pretty well," Toffoli said. "When we needed Quickie [Jonathan Quick], he came up huge. Like I said, we were sharp in the first game and we have to move on now and start thinking about San Jose."
Tyler Toffoli on his goal and winning the season opener at home against the #Flyers #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/pZTJ935wY7— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) October 6, 2017
Tonight’s win marks the first Kings win in their home opener since the 2011-12 season. It is their first home opening win at Staples Center since a 3-1 win over Atlanta Thrashers, that begin the 2010-11 season.
Jonathan Quick was absolutely outstanding at goal, as his superb play kept the Kings lead in tact for the remainder of the game. Quick made 35 saves to grab his 45th career shout out.
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"He’s unbelievable," Kings forward Trevor Lewis said about Quick. "He made a couple of high-level saves there again and he does it every night. We see it every day at practice and it’s almost like you get used to it. It’s nice to have him back."
Like the previous night in San Jose against the Sharks, most of the Flyers scoring opportunities came in the third period, but they were never able to find the back of the net.
Despite outshooting the Kings 17-5 in the final period, the Flyers were unable to find the crease as they were shoutout less than 24 hours after a 5-3 win over the San Jose Shars in their season opener.
The Kings set the tone as they dominated the first period of play, despite neither team scoring a goal.
Trevor Lewis scored the Kings' first goal of the night in the first period off the clever assist from Nick Shore and Kyle Clifford for the 1-0 lead in the first period.
Trevor Lewis on his goal and winning the #LAKings season opener against the #Flyers #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/lJ2nzZ8F0f— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) October 6, 2017
With 1:45 left in the second period, Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim was called for high-sticking. The penatly proved costly as the Flyers were unable to find the equalizer before the intermission.
"I thought I could play a lot better, and I should have felt more comfortable in the third with my feet under me," Sanheim said post game. "I need to play more of my game and make plays. I wish I could have done that early, but obviously, with it being my first game I was a little hesitant early and I wish I could go back and tell myself to get a lot more comfortable and start getting up the ice and playing my game."
The Kings secured their first victory of the year and now travel up north to San Jose to face the rival Sharks on Saturday night.
Michal Neuvirth had a fantastic game at goal in a losing effort stopping 25 shots on the night for the Flyers.
Moment of Silence
The Kings and Staples Center observed a moment of silence before the game for the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting. They included 22-year-old Christiana Duarte, who started work with the Kings this summer as a fan service associate.
