By MATT CARLSON The Associated Press
CHICAGO — Anze Kopitar scored two of the Kings’ four goals in the first period, and they beat the Chicago Blackhawks, 5-0, on Friday night.
Pierre-Luc Dubois, Alex Laferriere and Jordan Spence each had a goal and an assist to help the Kings rebound from a 3-1 loss in St. Louis on Wednesday. The Kings strengthened their hold on third place in the Pacific Division and a Western Conference playoff spot.
“Two points in October are the same as two points in March, but you can really see the difference two points can mean in the standings,” Dubois said. “Still a lot of hockey to be played, but we’re happy with a result like tonight.”
Cam Talbot made 28 saves in his third shutout of the season and No. 31 for his career.
“It was great to get off to the lead, but what we saw was Talbs had to make two or three big saves early,” Kings interim coach Jim Hiller said. “So credit the goalie there and nice to see the puck go in for us.”
Kopitar, the Kings’ 36-year-old captain, recorded his 19th and 20th goals off of pinpoint cross-ice passes from 21-year-old Quinton Byfield. He reached the 20-goal mark for the 13th time in 18 seasons.
Kopitar, the Kings’ career leader in games played (1,358) and assists (783), almost added another goal when he was on a 2-on-1 in the second period, but he decided to pass.
“He’s willing to distribute,” Hiller said. “He’s a selfless player. Nice to see him get a couple himself.”
Adrian Kempe had two assists for the Kings, who are 6-0-2 in their past eight games against Chicago dating to November 2019.
The Kings chased Chicago goalie Arvid Soderblom with 3:41 left in the first period after connecting on four of 14 shots. Petr Mrazek relieved and blocked 22 of 23 shots.
The last-place Blackhawks were blanked for the 10th time after winning two straight games for only the second time this season. Chicago scored 14 goals in the back-to-back victories.
“They really…
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