The L.A. Kings, defending Stanley Cup champions, are making a statement as they fight back into the Western Conference playoff picture.
Marian Gaborik scored the winner on a slap shot that somehow beat Antti Niemi at the 4:04 mark of the third period, as the Kings defeated the San Jose Sharks by a final score of 2-1 before 70,205 fans at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday.
That’s now seven consecutive wins for the Kings, who move to 68 points, which ties them with the Sharks, who entered the game holding that final Wild Card spot in the West.
The Kings, with games in hand on Calgary and San Jose, move into third in the Pacific Division.