Jeff Carter scored his first two goals as a member of the Los Angeles Kings, leading them to a 4-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks Saturday night in the Freeway Faceoff at Staples Center. The Kings are one point out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The Kings, who are dead last in the NHL in scoring at 2.12 goals per game, have scored 13 goals in four games since Carter was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 23. The win was the third in four games for the Kings, while the Ducks have lost three of their last four.
Dustin Brown opened the scoring with a power play goal at 12:15 of the first period, his 19th of the season. Three and a half minutes later, Sheldon Brookbank tied the game for Anaheim. Carter scored at 2:39 and 13:53 of the second period to give Los Angeles a 3-1 lead, but Devante Smith-Pelly scored his fourth goal of the season at 14:06 of the second period to pull Anaheim within one goal.
Anze Kopitar added an empty net goal with 15 seconds remaining. Mike Richards had two assists on the night for the Kings, who have beaten the Ducks in four of five games this season. Jonathan Quick saved 29 of 31 shots in the win for the Kings. Jonas Hiller allowed three goals in 19 shots in his franchise record 25th straight start for Anaheim.
The Ducks next host the Edmonton Oilers in Anaheim on Monday night, while the Kings open up a four-game road trip Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators.
For more on Kings hockey, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown. For more on Ducks hockey, be sure to read Anaheim Calling.