LA Kings start home stand with a needed win over Blue Jackets

The Los Angeles Kings started March on the right foot by defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2.

After spending most of February on the road playing nine out 14 games away from Staples Center, the Kings started a five game homestand by putting on a comeback performance.

After the Blue Jackets jumped all over the Kings in the first period taking a 2-0 lead, it was all Kings as they scored five unanswered goals to start the homestand in a winning mood.

The Kings turned the game into a rout by scoring at even strength, on the power play, and even a shorthanded goal. Contributions from grinders, the top line and the defense were responsible for the win. These are the top stars of the game.

Alex Lafallo twice as nice

Rookie center Alex Lafallo did something for the first time in his NHL career. Lafallo scored twice for the first time in his NHL career helping to lead the Kings to their third straight victory. While playing on the first line, Lafallo made the play of the night in the third period.

With the Kings leading 4-2, Lafallo came around the net recovered his own errant pass and beat goaltender Joonas Korpisalo high on the glove side. Iafallo’s individual effort put the game away at 5-2 and gave Lafallo his first two goal game in the NHL.

Folin Dishes

Defenseman Christian Folin made the most of his 15 minutes of ice time by continually finding his teammates with crisp passing. The first Kings goal was scored when Folin sprung forward Nate Thompson on a breakaway that Thompson deftly put in the net.

Folin’s second assist was his best as he helped the Kings tie the game by putting a pass on Iafallo’s stick that was redirected for the Kings game tying goal in the second period. The Kings would never trail again in the game. Folin is one of the King’s more mobile and skilled defenseman that Thursday night showed the depth and skill the team posses.

 Jeff Carter is back

When Jeff Carter returned Saturday night after missing playing time since a leg injury in October, it was seen like trade deadline acquisition. The Kings now had an all-star playmaker who could score goals and center their second line, while also getting back an underrated two-way forward who could shore up the already strong penalty kill unit.

All Carter has done since coming back is score goals, he has three in the four games back from injury. Carter showed just how skilled he is when he gave the Kings breathing room by scoring a short handed goal in the third period putting the team up 4-2.

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Carter beat the goalie with a back handed goal blunting the Blue Jackets momentum on the power play. If the Kings are going to secure a playoff spot having Jeff Carter playing his best is going to make the Kings a scary team.