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LA Kings defeat New York Rangers 3-2 (OT). The two Richards were the biggest offseason headlines: Mike Richards shockingly traded by the Philadelphia Flyers to the Kings, and the biggest free agent center Brad Richards after being wooed eventually settling with the Rangers. Tinsel Town vs. Broadway. So it was completely appropriate it was the two Richards that stood in the faceoff circle to start the game.
Perhaps it was a sign of things to come when Mike Richards won the faceoff. Maybe not since 34 seconds later the two faced off once again with Brad winning the puck.
Nonetheless New York looked like they were still under the preseason haze not getting their first shot on goal until Ryan Callahan recorded on at 15:16 in the first period. Of course six seconds later Callahan let loose a shot from behind the goal line that hit off goalie Jonathan Quick who looked more like the bad Roberto Luongo at that moment. Into the net it went and the Rangers had tied the game.
The Rangers played much better in the scoreless second period and got a go-ahead goal by Marian Gaborik halfway in the third period. That’s where Mike Richards showed what Kings’ fans could expect this season.
With Brad Richardson taking the puck down the left wing, Richards skated down middle on a 2-on-2 rush. Richardson passed the puck to Richards breaking towards the net. Richards scored the tying goal.
In a 4-on-3 power-play in overtime, Richards was hanging out in front the crease. Richards saw Anze Kopitar with the puck in the right circle and Jack Johnson coming down the left lane. Richards squirted out to the right of the crease, Kopitar passed the puck to him, Richards immediately got the puck to Johnson who got it past Henrik Lundqvist for the game winner.
The Kings got the win most importantly. They got their winning goal on the power-play. But they had eight power-play opportunities during the game, and that was the only one they converted. A 12.5% power-play will not get it done. They now head from Stockholm to Berlin for their game against Buffalo.
Buffalo Sabres defeat Anaheim Ducks 4-1.
TONIGHT’S ACTION
Buffalo Sabres at LA Kings. 11:00 a.m. FSWest, AM 1150 KTLK.
New York Rangers at Anaheim Ducks. 10:00 a.m. Versus, AM 830 KLAA.
Washington State Cougars at UCLA Bruins. 7:30 p.m. FS Prime Ticket, AM 570 KLAC.
