Cam Ward makes 36 saves and Eric Staal scores his 700th point in losing effort.
The Carolina Hurricanes were outplayed at times but still hung in the game until late as they lost to the Los Angeles Kings, 3-2 on Thursday night. Cam Ward made 36 saves on 39 shots for the visitors, a season high for him.
The Canes skated an extra attacker in the final two minutes of the game and Elias Lindholm had a great chance to tie the game late, but Jonathan Quick made a tremendous save with the flash of his glove to preserve the win as the Swede shook his head in disbelief.
The Kings outshot their opponents 11-5 in the first period and 18-11 in the second, but the Canes hung in there and kept it close.
After Jarret Stoll scored a powerplay goal to give the home team the lead in the opening period, Jeff Skinner tied it up, 1-1 late in the period on his patented wrist shot.
Trevor Lewis made the score 2-1 just 37 seconds into the second period, but Eric Staal scored a powerplay goal himself though when he knocked in a Skinner rebound 2:21 into the period to tie the game once again. It was Staal's 700th career point.
Tanner Pearson scored just 38 seconds later and that would be the eventual game-winner as both teams battled throughout a scoreless third.
The Canes were outshot for the game, 39-27.
The team will travel to Colorado next for a match against the Avs on Saturday night.
Game Notes:
- The team had a rough night in the faceoff circle and won just 43% for the night.
- Gerbe and Lindholm each had a team high six shots on goal out of the team's 27 for the game.
- The Canes actually outhit the Kings, 33-24. Tim Gleason led the way with eight. Brett Bellemore was credited with three, but had a couple of nice ones that were noticeable.
- Justin Faulk once again had the most ice time for the club with 23:12 of TOI. Sekera was right behind him.
- Skinner had a two point night with his fifth goal of the season and assist.
- Event Summary stat sheet