Kings edge Blue Jackets, strengthen hold on third in Pacific

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Kings extended their lead for third place in the Pacific Division with a 2-1 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.

The Kings (40-27-10) are three points ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights, who have a game in hand.
Phillip Danault scored for the third straight game, Jonathan Quick made 21 saves, and Los Angeles ended a three-game home losing streak.
"Obviously, the last game, we were not satisfied, not happy, so we had to bounce back, which we did right away in the game," Danault said, referring to a 9-3 loss at the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. "Big two points, and every single game is going to be big until the end, so it's a do or die."

Sean Kuraly scored in his return after missing two games in NHL COVID-19 protocol, and Elvis Merzlikins made 36 saves for the Blue Jackets (35-34-6).
The Blue Jackets were eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoffs contention when the Washington Capitals defeated the Montreal Canadiens 8-4 on Saturday, failing to qualify for the second straight season following four consecutive appearances in the postseason.
"We knew what to expect since they're fighting for a playoff spot and we were a must-win for them since we're on the outside looking in here," Columbus forward Carson Meyer said. "We knew what was going to happen, but we didn't quite match their intensity in the first period. I thought we played well in the second and third, but we were kind of playing catch-up at that point."
Dustin Brown put the Kings ahead 1-0 1:41 into the first period, beating Merzlikins with a wrist shot from the right circle after keeping the puck during a 2-on-1 break.

Danault made it 2-0 at 7:02. He scored into an open net when Merzlikins tried to cut off the angle for a charging Viktor Arvidsson after Los Angeles caught Columbus in transition, only for him to pass back into the slot to set up Danault's 24th goal.
"I was not even ready for this," Danault said. "I was just going to the net, and he just put it on my tape, so it was definitely an awesome tap-in."
Kuraly cut it to 2-1 53 seconds into the second period. A centering pass by Meyer from behind the net redirected off Quick, allowing Kuraly to score into an open goal.
"I did see him in the slot, but I was trying to put it off of Jonathan Quick's back and try to score myself," Meyer said. "But it worked out. I should have known he was going to the net anyway. He always is."

Quick responded well after allowing three goals on 10 shots to the Avalanche, including doing the splits to save a shot by Patrik Laine at 4:08 of the third period.
"'Quickie' has got lots of experience, two Stanley Cups, one MVP," Danault said. "He's still outstanding. He's still battling with his heart on the line every night for us. Made some huge saves. 'Quickie' can change the game by himself. He's been outstanding all year for us."
The Kings also blocked a season-high 26 shots, helping keep the Blue Jackets at bay as they pushed for the tying goal.
"They're pretty stiff there," Columbus coach Brad Larsen said. "I don't know how many shots they blocked tonight. Seemed like a ton. I wasn't surprised. I mean, they're trying to win the hockey game. If they got to win it 2-1, I think they're more than happy to do that."
NOTES: Danault has six points (three goals, three assists) during a five-game point streak, which is tied for the longest of his NHL career. … Kings forward Trevor Moore had an assist playing in his 200th NHL game. … Kings forward Blake Lizotte had an assist to extend his point streak to three games (two goals, two assists). … Kings forward Andreas Athanasiou had three shots and won his only face-off in 18:54 time on ice in his return after missing 17 games because of an upper-body injury.