LOS ANGELES, CA– In the first game back since the two-week break, the Kings took down the Utah Hockey Club, 5-3.
While most of the Kings used their time off for the break for the 4 Nations to rest for NHL action, Drew Doughty used it to shake off rust from injury. Doughty was in the 4 Nations tournament and helped deliver first place to Team Canada.
“When I first came back not going to lie, I was lacking a little bit of confidence because I wasn’t playing the way that I wanted to play and making that team gave it to me,” said Drew Doughty.
Doughty used the extra games with Team Canada to help him dominate in the first game back from the break. Doughty collected one goal and two assists to record the most points on the night.
“When I proved to myself that I can still play with the big boys, made me feel really good about myself,” Drew Doughty said. “Came back here just excited to go on this playoff stretch.”
As impressive as Doughty was in this game, he got plenty of help on offense. Kevin Fiala, Joel Edmundson and Phillip Danault all contributed with two points each.
The Kings took advantage of the lackluster performance Utah goaltender, Connor Ingram, displayed. Ingram allowed four goals on 26 shots and accumulated a measly .840 save rating.
Despite the Kings offense only having two fewer shot attempts, Los Angeles exposed Utah’s goaltending to seal off the victory.
In a tough loss, Barrett Hayton did all he could to keep Utah in this game. Hayton scored all three goals for the Hockey Club.
Before the Kings play their next game, they will host the Skate for LA Strong charity game, tomorrow night at Crytpo.com Arena. This event will feature celebrities that will help raise money for the victims of the LA fires.
After the charity game, the Kings will look to get back to skating against the Golden Knights on Monday, February 24th. The Kings will aim to protect home ice against the top team in the Pacific Division.
