Gaudreau, Flames edge Kings, expand lead in Pacific

LOS ANGELES -- Johnny Gaudreau had two goals and an assist, and the Calgary Flames extended their lead over the Los Angeles Kings for first in the Pacific Division with a 3-2 win at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.

Elias Lindholm also scored and Jacob Markstrom made 27 saves for the Flames (41-19-9), who moved five points ahead of the Kings (38-24-10).
"Yeah, a big one for us start to the trip off the right way. We didn't play the best game the last time we played L.A., so we knew we had a lot better in us," said Gaudreau, referring to a 3-2 shootout loss in Calgary on Thursday.
Adrian Kempe scored two goals for the Kings, who are one point ahead of the Edmonton Oilers for second in the division. Cal Petersen made 30 saves.
"If you look at Calgary, they're one of the top seeds in the NHL, so to play a game like we did tonight … we can certainly improve on some stuff, but I liked our complete level," said Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who had two assists. "We made some mistakes, but you make 'em every night. Unfortunately, they cost us tonight, but I like where our team is at and our mindset."
Gaudreau gave the Flames a 3-2 lead at 14:08 of the second period, faking out Petersen before putting a backhand shot into the top netting. He scored for the third straight game and has five points (four goals, one assist) in that span.
"Johnny was on fire tonight," Flames coach Darryl Sutter said. "He was awesome. He's been really good lately, and hopefully that will get the line going."

It was Gaudreau's 13th game with at least three points, tying Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers for the NHL lead.
The Flames had to kill three penalties in the third period, including a 6-on-4 in the closing minutes after Matthew Tkachuk received a double minor for high-sticking at 17:57 and the Kings pulled Petersen for an extra attacker.
"We had some chances at the end. 'Kopi' had a shot-pass coming through the slot, just missed [Phillip] Danault. Rebounds, Kempe had one," Los Angeles coach Todd McLellan said. "We put some pressure on them, we made them penalty kill, so, again, it's that fine line."
Lindholm tied it at 2-2 13:03 into the second period. He scored a one-timer in the slot off Gaudreau's pass from behind the net.
Kempe gave the Kings a 2-1 lead at 19:06 of the first period with a wrist shot from the right circle during a 5-on-3 power play.

Kempe tied it 1-1 at 13:56 by scoring on a one-timer from the right circle set up by Kopitar. It was Kempe's 30th goal, becoming the first Los Angeles player to reach the mark since Kopitar (35) in 2017-18.
"His physicality, his pace, his shot have showed up night after night," McLellan said. "And we haven't had a 30-goal scorer here since I don't know when? And he's there now, so it's progress for our organization. It really is."
Gaudreau put Calgary ahead 1-0 10 seconds into the game, putting the puck on net from below the goal line and having it redirect in off Petersen. It was the second-fastest goal to start a game in the NHL this season; Anthony Beauvillier of the New York Islanders scored after nine seconds against the Detroit Red Wings on March 24.
"Just a lot of luck," Gaudreau said. "I just kind of fired it at the net, net front. I didn't even know it went in until I saw [Tkachuk] raise his hands up. … I mean, can't ask for a better start."
NOTES: Lindholm (35 goals, 35 assists) became the third Flames player with 70 points this season, joining Gaudreau (95 points; 34 goals, 61 assists) and Tkachuk (85 points; 32 goals, 53 assists). Only the Colorado Avalanche, with four players, have more. … Flames forward Ryan Carpenter had an assist for his first point in three games since being acquired in a trade from the Chicago Blackhawks on March 21. … Flames forward Calle Jarnkrok missed his second game because of a non-COVID-19 illness. … Kopitar (61 points; 18 goals, 43 assists) passed 60 points for the 13th time, passing Marcel Dionne (12) for most such seasons with the Kings.