The Los Angeles Kings are looking to advance to their first NHL conference finals since 1993. Up 3-0 in their second round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues, the Kings are now 40 minutes away from the Western Conference Finals, leading 2-1 after the first period in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon at Staples Center.
Dustin Brown lit the lamp at 18:17 in the first period, assisted by Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, giving the Kings a 2-1 advantage.
The Kings struck first at 4:36 of the first period, thanks to the Blues turning the puck over in front of their own net. Dustin Penner made them pay, assisting to Jordan Nolan for Nolan's first career playoff goal.
At 11:34 of the first period, Kevin Shattenkirk tied the game for St. Louis by beating goalie Jonathan Quick under his right arm with a goal, catching the Kings during a line change. It was just the second shot of the game for St. Louis.
Quick saved three of four shots for the Kings, while Brian Elliott saved eight of 10 shots for St. Louis. Each team killed one power play during the opening 20 minutes.
Colin Fraser of the Kings went to the locker room after hurting his leg blocking a shot.
For more news and notes on the Kings or this second round NHL playoff series, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown.
