Kings Ice Predators in Smyth's Millennial Achievement

There were a couple of issues for the Kings coming into their game against the Nashville Predators. Being a young team, would they respond after an emotional win Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning? Also, would the Kings defend their home ice against the Predators despite losing their last five games against Predators at STAPLES Center dating back to Jan. 8, 2008?

The answer to those questions was a resounding yes as they destroyed the Preds 4-1.

“Overall it’s a very big two points for us against a conference team we’ve had a lot of problems with over the last couple of years,” Kings’ Head Coach Terry Murray said noting their home losing streak.

With Jonathan Bernier starting in goal for the Kings, the defense fattened up to help him pitch a shutout until the waning minutes of the game. Still having troubles killing the puck allowing fat rebounds for the attackers to feast on, the defense blocked 21 shots in front of Bernier.

“It was great,” Bernier said about the defense. “I can’t complain about that. All the shots were from the outside. They had a few scoring chances on the power-play, but most of it was outstanding.”