March 9th, 2017

The Kings are desperate for every win they can get right now, and they got a big 3-2 overtime win against Nashville on Thursday night.  Jerome Iginla scored his first two goals as a King, including the game-winner in overtime.

“It was a hard-fought game for sure. Lots on the line,” Iginla said. “It feels good to be able to get that win as a group. “New team, to be able to find some way to contribute, it’s exciting to be out there at the end in a key situation.”

Nashville would strike first in this one.  Callie Jarnkrok beat Jonathan Quick in the slot, after Roman Josi knocked the puck off of Marian Gaborik’s stick while battling along the boards.  That was only the Predator’s 3rd shot of the game.

The Kings would strike back in the 2nd, when Iginla took a pass from Gaborik, and manuevered his way around Pekka Rinne for a power play goal.

Just 91 seconds into the 3rd period, the Predators would go ahead on a goal by Kevin Fiala.  He knocked in a rebound after a big scramble in front of the Kings net.

However 10 minutes later, Gaborik tied the game after knocking down a shot from Alec Martinez, and tucking it underneath Rinne.  It was Gaborik’s 8th goal of the season.

That’s when Iginla would send the Kings home as winners.  The win pulls LA within 1 points of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, which is held by the St. Louis Blues.  The Kings are coming off a 5 day break, and have played 1 more game than the Blues.

LA has its work cut out for them just to make the playoffs, but Iginla likes the Kings chances.  “I’m positive. I’m very optimistic,” he said. “I know we’ve got a lot of work to do. But these guys, they’re winners. It’s a very tight-knit group. This time of year, they find ways.  “It’s going to be a last fun month of the regular season. Everyone believes we can get in.”

The Kings continue their home stand on Saturday night against the Washington Capitals.  Then they’ll have a big showdown on Monday night against St. Louis.