LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Kings extended their lead for third place in the Pacific Division with a 2-1 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.

The Kings (40-27-10) are three points ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights, who have a game in hand.  

GAME HIGHLIGHTS:

*Phillip Danault scored for the third straight game

*LA snapped a 3-game home losing streak

*Danault has six points (three goals, three assists) during a five-game point streak, which is tied for the longest of his NHL career

* Kings F Trevor Moore had an assist playing in his 200th NHL game

*Kings F Blake Lizotte had an assist to extend his point streak to three games (two goals, two assists)

*Dustin Brown put the Kings ahead 1-0 at 1:41 into the first period

*CBJ C Sean Kuraly scored in his return after missing two games in NHL COVID-19 protocol. His goal cut the lead to 2-1 just 53 seconds into the 2nd period. The assist came from rookie Carson Meyer

*Goalie Elvis Merzlikins made 36 saves for the Blue Jackets who are (35-34-6)

*The loss was disappointing, but other disappointment for the Blue Jackets who were eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoffs contention when the Washington Capitals defeated the Montreal Canadiens 8-4 on Saturday,

*That is two years in a row the CBJ have not made the NHL Playoffs. Previously, they had made it to the postseason a club record 4 straight times

*This Blue Jackets team, being so young has actually exceeded any expectations winning 35 games. They have battled past injuries to key players. With a deep minor league system, and so many talented young players, Brad Larsen, has done a wonderful job with the roster he was dealt

*The Kings also blocked a season-high 26 shots

COURTESY CBJ COMMUNICATIONS