Kings 2, Flames 1
LOS ANGELES -- Center Anze Kopitar scored the go-ahead goal late in the second period, lifting the Los Angeles Kings to a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames at Staples Center on Tuesday night.
Kopitar returned after missing the Kings 2-1 decision over the Nashville Predators on Saturday with a lower-body injury. His 18th goal of the season was the difference as the Kings (35-20-4) increased their lead in the Pacific Division to four points over the idle Anaheim Ducks.
Goaltender Jonathan Quick stopped 21 of 22 shots for the Kings, who have won two of their last three contests.
Goalie Joni Ortio, in his first start since Oct. 30, recorded 35 saves for the Flames (26-30-3), who have allowed 32 goals in their last eight contests. They fell to the Kings for the second time this season and lost their fifth game in the last six outings.
The Kings, who wore their throwback purple-and-gold jerseys they debuted in their inaugural season in 1967, never trailed.
Los Angeles grabbed a 1-0 lead at 9:41 of the second period when defenseman Luke Schenn buried a winner past defenseman Mark Giordano and Ortio on a pass from left winger Tanner Pearson. It was Schenn's fourth goal this season.
Calgary countered with a power-play goal at 11:56 of the period when right winger Jiri Hudler found center Sean Monahan in front of the net to tie the score at 1. For Monahan, it was his 18th goal of the season.
Kopitar gave the Kings the lead again, converting a pass from defenseman Drew Doughty for a power-play goal and 2-1 advantage with 2:33 left in the second.
Los Angeles outshot Calgary 13-3 in the first period and 18-9 in the second for a 31-12 edge through two periods.
NOTES: An announced crowd of 18,230 attended. ... The Kings honored former LW Mike Donnelly as part of their "Legends Night Series." Donnelly, who works in the club's player development department, played five seasons with the Kings from 1990-1995. ... Los Angeles captured the previous meeting 4-1 on Dec. 31 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. They meet again March 31 at Staples Center and April 5 in Calgary. ... Los Angeles was 8-0-0 entering the contest when LW Tanner Pearson scored. ... Flames C Josh Jooris played his 100th career game. ... Calgary scratched D Kris Russell and Matt Stajan. LW Michael Mersch, D Kevin Gravel and C Jordan Nolan were unavailable for the Kings. ... Both clubs resume play Thursday as the Flames return home to face the New York Islanders and the Kings host the Edmonton Oilers.