LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Carolina Hurricanes with a score of 7-2 on Saturday, powered by Andrei Kuzmenko, who scored his first goal and assist since joining the team.
Key contributions also came from Anze Kopitar, Tanner Jeannot, Quinton Byfield, and Kevin Fiala, each adding a goal and an assist. Adrian Kempe and Trevor Moore also scored for the Kings, who celebrated their fifth consecutive home victory. Goaltender David Rittich was solid in net, stopping 34 shots.
For the Hurricanes, Dmitry Orlov and Mark Jankowski managed to score, while Pyotr Kochetkov made 18 saves. This loss concluded Carolina`s impressive eight-game winning streak.
Kuzmenko`s impact was immediate, assisting on Kopitar`s power-play goal early in the game and scoring himself before the first period ended. The Kings are optimistic that Kuzmenko will enhance their power play, supporting top players like Kopitar and Kempe. In the eight games Kuzmenko has played, Los Angeles has scored four power-play goals, with Kopitar and Kempe contributing significantly to the offense.
Key Points:
Hurricanes: The team missed Jordan Staal and Shayne Gostisbehere due to injury and illness, respectively. Adding to their woes, Seth Jarvis was injured during the third period.
Kings: The Kings have now gone 13 home games without a regulation loss, tying a franchise record.
Turning Point: Goalie Kochetkov allowed similar goals at the beginning and end of the first period, scored by Kempe and Kuzmenko.
Stat of the Game: Kopitar`s power-play goal was his 124th, making him third in Kings history for power-play goals, surpassing Dave Taylor.
Looking Ahead: The Hurricanes will play against Anaheim on Sunday, while the Kings will host Boston on the same day.
