LA Kings defeat NY Rangers in Jonathan Quick’s return 2-1 in much needed big win- Jan. 2024
It was an exciting matchup at crypto.com arena with the popular visiting New York Rangers taking on the LA Kings. The Kings have been struggling with only one of the last 10 games losing a lot of close games & leads. It was a big return for Jonathan Quick who won 2 Stanley cups with the team and is the all time leader of most every statistic for goalies in team history. He got to start against his former team and played well. Midway through the first period during a break, the team and fans paid a nice tribute and standing ovation for him with a video montage.
Coach Todd McClellan also wanted to shake things up moving Dubois onto the first line wing with Kempe and Kopitar to try to add some spark. The Kings started off with a lot of energy and paid off when Kevin Fiala took the puck and circled around in front on a nice move to score and make it 1-0. Both teams had some other good chances but defense/goaltending was tough for both teams until the Rangers tied it at one to one with Chris Kreider tied the game on a wrist shot . Quinton Byfield was moved to the 3rd line cneter and gave the Kings the lead as he scored the eventual game winner as he followed up after Quick saved the first shot but the puck came out in front and it was an easy tap it to make it 2-1 & that’s how it ended. There were a bunch of shots and flurries down the stretch but backup starting goalie David Rittich made some incredible saves including a point-blank left foot gem late in the game against Alexis Lafreiere. It got a bit frantic at the end as Trevor Moore got called in a high-sticking penalty with less than two minutes to go in the game and then the Rangers pulled Quick so they had a six on four but the clock run out for a much-needed huge win. The team played with a lot of intensity and didn’t let up as they have on the past road trip.
After the game Quick replied if it was strange to play back here and he said, “no it’s a hockey game, Road game and we are just trying to get 2 points.” He also said was enjoying it in NY from the management to the coaching staff to the trainers and players. He is having a great season as the #2 goalie and his stats are better than #1 goalie all star Igor Shesterkin.
Another big home game vs San Jose on Monday as the Kings look to build the momentum. McClennan added that Rittich will start again as he has been hot so to stick with him over selected All Star Talbot. More at www.nhl.com/kings