Kings run riot in second period to overpower Blue Jackets 4-1

Los Angeles Kings defeated Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1 for a seventh win out of their last eight games on Thursday night.

Had the Lucky Charm tonight 🍀#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/9LT083lw8j

— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 17, 2023

Carl Grundstrom had a goal and an assist, as Drew Doughty, Anze Kopiter and Viktor Arvidsson all scored to help Los Angeles sink Columbus.

“We just got to stick to the game plan. If we get away from that, that’s when we struggle, and I think the guys have bought in now and are ready to play it, and we’re gonna be good with it,” Doughty said afte the game.

Kirill Marchenko scored for Columbus. Goaltender Daniil Tarasov was subbed off in the second period after allowing four goals on 27 shots, and Michael Hutchinson made nine saves.

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The Blue Jackets are enjoying a torrid time, having lost five out of their last six games.

Since returning from the All-Star break, the Kings are having a fantastic run of form with 12 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. They have not lost in regulation time in nine home games during that period, with their only defeat coming in a shootout against Nashville on Saturday.

“Four lines and three pairs of defensemen are committed to doing things right,” Kings coach Todd McLellan commented.

“I look at the goal we gave up tonight, we did everything we wanted to do or needed to do. Went off the ref’s foot and into the slot and they score, so those are gonna get built into (playoff) games or series, and you have to be able to overcome them. But just complete commitment to doing what we do.”

Up next for the Blue jackets is a trip to Anaheim on Friday night. The Kings host Vancouver on Saturday night.