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Kings Vs. Wild: L.A. Falls 4-3 In Shootout, Gains Point In Playoff Chase

The Kings have two home games and one road contest remaining.

By Eric Stephen
MAR 31, 2012; St. Paul, MN, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) makes a save in the second period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-US PRESSWIRE
MAR 31, 2012; St. Paul, MN, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) makes a save in the second period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-US PRESSWIRE

Erik Christensen and Mikko Koivu each slipped shootout goals past Jonathan Bernier to lift the Minnesota Wild over the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 in a shootout Saturday night at Xcel Energy Center in Minneapolis. By losing in overtime, the Kings gained a point, which assured they will end the day in no worse than a tie for first place in the Pacific Division.

If the Dallas Stars and Phoenix Coyotes both win Saturday night, there will be a three-way tie atop the division at 91 points with just three games remaining.

Dustin Brown had a goal and an assist in the first period as the Kings and Wild were tied 2-2 after one period. Brown then assisted on Brad Richardson's fifth goal of the season 52 seconds into the second period to give Los Angeles a 3-2 lead, which held until Christensen tied the game at 10:57 of the third period.

Anze Kopitar had three assists in the loss for the Kings. Bernier saved 20 of 23 shots. Justin Williams and Mike Richards both missed their attempts in the shootout for the Kings.

The Kings end their regular season with home games against Edmonton and San Jose, followed by a road contest in San Jose.

For more news and notes on Kings hockey, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown.