Kings goaltemder David Rittich, right, watches as players from the Kings and the Minnesota Wild fight during the third period on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Jake Middleton #5 of the Minnesota Wild battles Kings goaltender David Rittich for a loose puck during the first period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kings players celebrate after center Phillip Danault (24) scored a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Phillip Danault #24 of the Los Angeles Kings is congratulated at the bench after scoring a goal during the first period of a game against the Minnesota Wild at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kings defenseman Andreas Englund, left, and Minnesota Wild defenseman Jake Middleton square off during the first period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kings defenseman Andreas Englund (5) and Minnesota Wild defenseman Jake Middleton (5) fight during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings defensemen Andreas Englund (5) and Minnesota Wild defensemen Jake Middleton (5) fight during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Andreas Englund #5 of the Los Angeles Kings fights Jake Middleton #5 of the Minnesota Wild during the first period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild controls the puck past a lunging Mikey Anderson #44 of the Los Angeles Kings during the first period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kings goaltender David Rittich looks at his glove after making a save during the first period of a game against the Minnesota Wild at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Members of the Kings and the Minnesota Wild face off during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings left wing Kevin Fiala (22), right, scores a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings left wing Kevin Fiala (22) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kevin Fiala #22 of the Los Angeles Kings is congratulated at the bench after scoring a goal during the first period of a game against the Minnesota Wild at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Marcus Foligno #17 of the Minnesota Wild skates past the defense of Phillip Danault #24 of the Los Angeles Kings during the first period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kings goaltender David Rittich, right, and Jacob Moverare, left, clear Adam Beckman of the Minnesota Wild from the crease during the first period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Mikey Anderson #44 and David Rittich #31 of the Los Angeles Kings defend against a shot by Ryan Hartman #38 and Mats Zuccarello #36 of the Minnesota Wild during the first period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Minnesota Wild right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) moves the puck as Kings defensemen Mikey Anderson (44) defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) skates after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Minnesota Wild defensemen Jake Middleton (5) attempts a play on the puck as Kings goalie David Rittich (31) defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings defensemen Jordan Spence, right, celebrates with left wing Trevor Moore (12) after scoring a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings right wing Adrian Kempe (9) moves the puck as Minnesota Wild defensemen Declan Chisholm (47) defends during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings center Trevor Lewis (61) trips over Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Minnesota Wild left wing Adam Beckman (11) moves the puck as Kings right wing Alex Laferriere (78) defends during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) looks to shoot as Minnesota Wild defensemen Zach Bogosian (24) defends during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings right wing Adrian Kempe (9) checks Minnesota Wild defensemen Brock Faber (7) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings defensemen Vladislav Gavrikov (84) attempts a play on the puck as Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi (23) defends during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Adrian Kempe #9 of the Los Angeles Kings skates past the defense of Declan Chisholm #47 of the Minnesota Wild during the second period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Pierre-Luc Dubois #80, Phillip Danault #24, and Trevor Moore #12 celebrate a goal by Jordan Spence #21 of the Los Angeles Kings during the second period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Pierre-Luc Dubois #80, Phillip Danault #24, and Trevor Moore #12 celebrate a goal by Jordan Spence #21 of the Los Angeles Kings during the second period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Blake Lizotte #46 of the Los Angeles Kings battles Jacob Lucchini #27 of the Minnesota Wild as they chase a loose puck during the second period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Kings’ Kevin Fiala, left, and Adrian Kempe, right, congratulate Anze Kopitar after his goal during the second period of their 6-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Kopitar had a goal and an assist and surpassed 1,200 career points during the blowout win. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois (80) fight during the third period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Blake Lizotte #46 of the Los Angeles Kings skates throught the defense of Adam Beckman #11 and Jacob Lucchini #27 of the Minnesota Wild during the second period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Adam Beckman #11 of the Minnesota Wild controls the puck past the defense of Alex Laferriere #78 of the Los Angeles Kings during the second period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Adrian Kempe #9 reacts after a goal by Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings during the second period of a game against the Minnesota Wild at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Vladislav Gavrikov #84 of the Los Angeles Kings chases a puck past the defense of Marco Rossi #23 and Declan Chisholm #47 of the Minnesota Wild during the second period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Jake Middleton #5 of the Minnesota Wild clears the puck past Adrian Kempe #9 of the Los Angeles Kings during the second period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Matt Roy #3 of the Los Angeles Kings is congratulated at the bench after scoring a goal during the second period of a game against the Minnesota Wild at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kings defensemen Jordan Spence (21) moves the puck as Minnesota Wild left wing Adam Beckman (11) defends during the third period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Adrian Kempe #9, Anze Kopitar #11, and Matt Roy #3 of the Los Angeles Kings push Adam Beckman #11 of the Minnesota Wild during the third period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kings defensemen Jacob Moverare (43) and Minnesota Wild center Marcus Johansson (90) collide during the third period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings goaltender David Rittich blocks a shot on goal during the third period of a game against the Minnesota Wild at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kings center Blake Lizotte (46) moves the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings goaltender David Rittich, left, and Blake Lizotte (46) defend against Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild during the third period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) attempts a shot as Kings center Trevor Lewis (61) defends during the third period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Blake Lizotte #46 of the Los Angeles Kings battles Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild for a loose puck during the third period of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kings center Anze Kopitar moves the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
The Kings’ Jacob Moverare, left, congratulates goaltender David Rittich after defeating the Minnesota Wild 6-0 in a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kings defensemen Jacob Moverare (43) and goalie David Rittich (31) embrace after the team’s NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings defensemen Andreas Englund (5) and Minnesota Wild defensemen Jake Middleton (5) fight during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings defensemen Vladislav Gavrikov (84) moves the puck as Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) moves the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Kings, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
Kings goaltender David Rittich reacts to defeating the Minnesota Wild 6-0 in a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
A Kings fan cheers during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)
LOS ANGELES — Kevin Fiala lit up his former team, Viktor Arvidsson scored in his first game back from injury, Andreas Englund backed up a big hit with a fight, the Kings built a 3-0 lead over the Minnesota Wild … and that all happened in the first period alone.
By the end of Wednesday night, the Kings had rolled to a 6-0 victory over a depleted Minnesota club that snapped its eight-game points streak with a loss in regulation at Crypto.com Arena. Both teams had won a night earlier, and the Kings have captured three of their past four games.
“We were ready to play, and we looked pretty good doing it, with Arvy back in and the full lineup and lots of energy,” Kings interim coach Jim Hiller said. “We got rewarded. We got a couple lucky goals, we understand that, but it just felt right.”
Kings captain Anze Kopitar’s assist was career point No. 1,200 and his goal was No. 1,201. Fiala, Arvidsson and Phillip Danault matched Kopitar’s contribution with a goal and an assist apiece. Matt Roy and Jordan Spence each added a goal from the blue line, where Drew Doughty chipped in the same two assists that Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe both did up front. David Rittich had 30 saves to earn his third shutout one night after Cam Talbot picked up a win in a romp over the Chicago Blackhawks.
Marc-Andre Fleury wobbled and also bore the brunt of the Wild’s tired legs, weary minds and bad bounces before being relieved by Filip Gustavsson. Minnesota was at the end of its road trip and without arguably its three best defensive players: center Joel Eriksson Ek as well as defensemen Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin. Brodin was injured in a 4-0 victory over the Ducks on Tuesday.
The Kings’ opening salvo began with a hit by Danault on the former Kings prospect at the center of the Fiala swap, defenseman and certain Calder Trophy finalist Brock Faber. As the Wild attempted to break out, Fiala disrupted Ryan Hartman’s pass with a deft defensive deflection that went to Moore. Moore promptly fired a shot that Danault tipped past Fleury 5:08 into the contest for his 17th goal of the season.
Englund and Jake Middleton scrapped in the middle of both the game and the ice after Englund had checked Marcus Johansson.
The Kings extended their lead on a power play that proved patience to be a virtue. Not only did they score with less than five seconds remaining on Minnesota’s minor penalty, but it was Fiala ignoring the pleas of “shoot!” from the crowd to make a pass, adjust his position, receive the puck anew, change his shooting angle and pick his spot against a highly vulnerable Fleury. It was goal No. 23 of the season for Fiala, with 4:57 to play in the period.
“Kevin’s always hungry, he wants to be an elite player, and he is an elite player,” Moore said of Fiala’s focus against his former cohorts.
Their next goal, 1:23 later, was as uplifting as it was fluky. Arvidsson, who missed 50 games to start the season (back surgery) as well as the past 14 (lower-body), scored his first goal of the campaign. He was trying to slide the puck across for Danault but Dakota Mermis, who was filling in for the injured Brodin, broke up the pass in fortuitous fashion for the Kings as the wayward puck slid between Fleury’s legs for a serendipitous score.
“It was amazing. It was a relief, and just a happy moment,” said Arvidsson, who confirmed that his recent injury was unrelated to his two back surgeries in less than two years. “My daughter was in the stands and it was just an awesome feeling.”
Momentum and puck luck alike carried over into the second period, when Quinton Byfield’s centering attempt was inadvertently rerouted by Faber’s skate, directly to the trailing Roy for his fourth goal of the season to make it 4-0 just 28 seconds into the frame.
They extended their lead with a second power-play goal at the 7:34 mark and a de facto man-advantage tally nearly 10 minutes afterward.
Spence went his first 54 games without a goal but scored his second in five days when Moore found him alone above the inside portion of the left circle. His far-side fling beat Fleury and chased him from the contest.
From the fourth goal of Spence’s career to old hat for one of the most prolific goalie-center tandems in NHL history, Doughty located a seam from the top of the circle to the right dot, where Kopitar was waiting to rip a kneeling one-timer past Gustavsson for a 6-0 advantage. Kopitar scored his 23rd goal just two seconds after Marcus Foligno’s penalty expired for Minnesota.
“It’s been amazing to get to play with him and see him break all these records,” Moore said of Kopitar’s latest career milestone. “It feels like every night we’ve got something new, so to be a small part of that and be able to have those memories is really cool.”
The third period was less focused on the scoring summary than the penalty summary, when 20 minutes worth of infractions were dished out with 11:01 to play. Hartman set off the melee by jumping Pierre-Luc Dubois, causing everyone to come together and exchange more than pleasantries.
That dustup was a mere warmup for the penalty box and score sheet. Opponents came together en masse a second time as 5:44 showed on the clock. That led to a novel situation, a 10-minute misconduct penalty for all 10 skaters on the ice, after which both benches had more gaps than Doughty’s smile.
“I’m going to go with never [have I seen that]. When was the last time you guys saw it?” Hiller said.
ELITE COMPANY
Kopitar has spent his entire 18-season career with the Kings. According to the NHL, the Slovenian center is the fourth player in league history born outside North America to score 1,200 points with one team, joining Alex Ovechkin, Stan Mikita and Evgeni Malkin.
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