LOS ANGELES — In a commanding performance, Andrei Kuzmenko scored his first goal and assist for Los Angeles since being traded, helping the Kings to a decisive 7-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.
Anze Kopitar, Tanner Jeannot, Quinton Byfield, and Kevin Fiala each contributed a goal and an assist for the Kings. Adrian Kempe and Trevor Moore also scored, rounding out the Kings` scoring. Goaltender David Rittich was solid in net, stopping 34 shots.
For the Hurricanes, Dmitry Orlov and Mark Jankowski managed to score, but Pyotr Kochetkov faced a tough night, allowing 7 goals on 25 shots as Carolina`s impressive eight-game winning streak came to an abrupt end.
Kuzmenko, who joined the Kings at the trade deadline after a brief period with the Philadelphia Flyers, played a key role in the Kings` offense. He assisted on Kopitar`s power-play goal, which put the Kings ahead 2-0, and then scored late in the first period.
The Kings were hoping Kuzmenko`s addition would revitalize their power play and provide more offensive support to Kopitar and Kempe. In the eight games since Kuzmenko joined the team, Los Angeles has scored four power-play goals, while Kopitar and Kempe have combined for six goals and seven assists.
Key Points
Hurricanes: The Hurricanes were without key players Jordan Staal (lower body) and Shayne Gostisbehere (illness). Further compounding their troubles, forward Seth Jarvis had to leave the game in the third period due to an injury.
Kings: The Kings extended their home point streak to 13 games, matching a franchise record for consecutive home games without a regulation loss.
Turning Point
Kochetkov conceded goals in similar fashion at the beginning and end of the first period, with both Kempe and Kuzmenko scoring on wrist shots from the right face-off circle on the rush.
Stat of the Game
Kopitar`s power-play goal was his 124th career goal with the man advantage, surpassing Dave Taylor for the third-most in Kings history.
Looking Ahead
The Hurricanes are scheduled to play against Anaheim on Sunday, while the Kings will host Boston, also on Sunday.
Tristan Blackwood