LOS ANGELES — Anze Kopitar scored the game-tying goal in regulation and then netted the game-winner in overtime to lift the Los Angeles Kings over the New York Rangers on Thursday night at Staples Center.
J.T. Miller, Dan Boyle and Kevin Hayes all scored for the Rangers who were looking to exact revenge for their 2014 Stanley Cup Finals loss to the Kings in Game 6 at Staples Center.
Dustin Brown, Kyle Clifford and Kopitar all scored for the Los Angeles Kings who were riding a two-game win-streak against the Western Conference top teams.
Hayes opened up the third period with a goal for New York. The Kings challenged the goal, citing goaltender interference, but upon review, the puck was kicked into the net by Los Angeles defenseman Luke Schenn.
The Kings trailed 3-1 in the third period before Clifford scored in front of the net thanks to a beautiful backhand pass from Jeff Carter. Kopitar deflected a Milan Lucic with 4:10 remaining in the third period to tie the game for Los Angeles.
Kopitar did it again in the 3-on-3 overtime period as he got his stick on a Jake Muzzin slap shot 1:34 into the extra period to give the Kings the victory.
Players of the Night:
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J.T. Miller — Goal. 11:34 in the 1st period.
Dustin Brown — Goal. 11:53 in the 1st period.
Dan Boyle — Goal. 13:05 in the 2nd period.
Kevin Hayes — Goal. 17:14 in the 3rd period.
Kyle Clifford — Goal. 15:14 in the 3rd period.
Anze Kopitar — Two Goals. Including game-winner in OT.
Three Takeaways:
1. Stanley Cup Rematch: The game marked a rematch of the 2013-2014 Stanley Cup Finals when the Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Rangers in six games thanks to a game-winning goal in overtime by Alec Martinez.
It's a 2014 #StanleyCup Final rematch tonight as @NYRangers visit @LAKings: https://t.co/qv25cNdt03 #NYRvsLAK pic.twitter.com/kjYNU6pAXy — NHL (@NHL) March 17, 2016
2. St. Patrick's Day Party: The Los Angeles Kings and their fans celebrated St. Patrick's Day with green warm up jerseys and fan giveaways throughout the game. The Kings had Irish bagpipers in attendance playing throughout the game and Staples Center even made sure to serve green beer and green sugar cookies throughout the arena.
Is watching #LAKings and drinking scotch at home an appropriate way to celebrate? pic.twitter.com/qyMzYD49dR — Nicholas Kalikow (@NicholasK_LA) March 18, 2016
3. Aaron Rodgers and Olivia Munn: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and girlfriend Olivia Munn were booed by the fans at Staples Center during the game. The Kings fans must have allied with the LA Rams already.
Aaron Rodgers and Olivia Munn, just trying to enjoy a hockey game in peace. pic.twitter.com/LVaOs2j8EW — Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) March 18, 2016
Up Next:
The New York Rangers continue their California swing when they head to San Jose to take on the Sharks on Saturday at 1 p.m. PST.
The Los Angeles Kings will host the Boston Bruins on Saturday night at Staples Center.
