The Los Angeles Kings extended their winning streak to eight games under interim coach Jim Hiller with a dominant 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday. Phillip Danault led the charge with a hat trick, while Kevin Fiala contributed a goal and two assists.
The Devils took an early lead just 15 seconds into the game when Timo Meier capitalized on a deflection off the stanchion. However, the Kings responded swiftly, with Danault tying the score on a breakaway set up by Fiala’s stretch pass. Alex Laferriere, a New Jersey native, gave the Kings the lead with a goal late in the first period.
The Kings continued to dominate in the second period, with Danault scoring into an open net and Fiala adding a power-play goal to chase Devils goalie Nico Daws from the game. Danault completed his hat trick with an empty-netter in the third period.
Cam Talbot made 30 saves for the Kings, while Akira Schmid stopped eight shots in relief for the Devils. The Kings have now won eight of their last 12 games under Hiller, who replaced Todd McLellan on February 2.
The Devils, on the other hand, have lost five of their last seven games. They will look to bounce back when they host the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night. The Kings will also be in action on Tuesday, hosting the Vancouver Canucks.
