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Kings strong start propels them to victory over Devils

Los Angeles Kings v New Jersey Devils

Los Angeles Kings v New Jersey Devils

NHLI via Getty Images

After dropping three of their last four games, the Kings needed to get back on track tonight in order to keep pressure on Calgary in the battle for a playoff spot. Los Angeles managed to do just that by earning a 3-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils tonight.

In a perfect example of how much these two squad’s fortunes have deviated since they met in the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, the Kings dominated the Devils in the first period, outshooting New Jersey 16-3.

Kings defenseman Andrej Sekera found the back of the net at 10:44 minutes of the first frame while Tyler Toffoli scored what proved to be the game-winning goal just before the first intermission.

The Devils did better after that point, but it wasn’t enough. They have dropped to 31-31-11 as a result. New Jersey doesn’t have a hope of making the playoffs, but the squad also hasn’t done badly enough to be a major consideration in the McEichel sweepstakes.

Los Angeles is now tied with Calgary in points, but because Calgary still has the edge in ROW, the Flames will at least temporarily remain in possession of the third Pacific Division seed. However, the Flames are playing against Colorado tonight, so if the Avalanche win that game, then the Flames will still fall below Los Angeles based on the fact that they will have played in one more contest than the Kings.

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