Kings at Red Wings
THE STORY: The Los Angeles Kings managed to snap their five-game losing streak and earn their first win under interim coach John Stevens on Thursday. While Jonathan Quick was predictably strong in goal throughout that contest in Columbus, the offense did not wake up until the third period in a 2-1 triumph over the Blue Jackets. That marked the 10th consecutive game in which the Kings - who rank last in the NHL in scoring - failed to reach three goals. That task does not get any easier on Saturday, when Los Angeles continues its four-game road trip at the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings had a three-game winning streak stopped in Nashville on Thursday, squandering a two-goal lead with some sloppy play in the third period. Detroit has won nine straight at home.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSW (Los Angeles), FSD (Detroit), NHL Network
ABOUT THE KINGS (14-13-4): Los Angeles has put 41 shots on goal in each of its last two games, but only has two tallies to show for that effort after being shut out in Boston on Tuesday. The Kings appeared to be destined for the same fate when they trailed 1-0 entering the third period on Thursday, but Davis Drewiske recorded his first goal and Dustin Brown scored on a redirect to give Los Angeles the win. Brown, who assisted on Drewiske’s goal as well, had a five-game streak without a point come to an end.
ABOUT THE RED WINGS (19-10-1): Detroit struggles on the penalty kill, ranking 24th in the league (80.5 percent). The Red Wings were victimized on the penalty kill again on Wednesday, giving up the tying goal with less than five minutes remaining. G Jimmy Howard had trouble on the last tallies in that contest, both of which came on shots from the point.
OVERTIME:
1. Detroit claimed a 4-1 win in Los Angeles on Nov. 19, but has lost three straight to the Kings at home.
2. Thursday marked just the second time in 26 starts that Howard had yielded more than three goals.
3. The Kings are reportedly considering Darryl Sutter as a full-time coaching replacement.