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The Los Angeles Kings look to extend their winning streak to four games Thursday night, facing the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second game of a four-game road trip. The Kings are facing a team in Columbus that has also won three straight games.
The Kings begin play Thursday night tied for the eighth and final playoff spot in the NHL Western Conference, and just three points out of first place in the Pacific Division.
Since acquiring Jeff Carter from the Blue Jackets, the Kings have won four of five games, and have score 18 goals in those five games, a marked improvement over an offense that was averaging just over two goals per game, last in the NHL. Coach Darryl Sutter credits the defense for his offense.
"Our defensemen scored two goals by getting shots through, getting it past the first guy," Sutter told the Associated Press. "That really was the difference. Our defense was more involved offensively than they have been."
The Kings are 2-1-0 against Columbus this season.
Thursday's 4 p.m. PST game will be televised by Prime Ticket. For more news and information about Kings hockey, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown.