What we learned from the Kings’ 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets

The Kings’ first trip to Canada this season started well, a tight win in Edmonton, and ended on a convincing note on Tuesday in Winnipeg. It was a one-goal game before the Kings added two late empty-netters.

A few more takeaways from their sixth straight victory, which also featured their first goal this season by a defenseman, Jake Muzzin:

The ability to win away from the friendly confines of Staples Center

The Kings have won their first three games on the road, a stark reversal from last season. They didn’t win their third game on the road last season until Dec. 4 at Arizona.

It is just the second time in franchise history they’ve won their first three road games, the other time coming in the 1989-90 season.

Two of their three wins came in traditionally tough buildings, the SAP Center in San Jose and MTS Centre in Winnipeg. Or as Muzzin affectionately called the latter arena, a tough “barn.” Muzzin, by the way, had a team-high five shots on goal.

Lucic’s increasing comfort level

Kings Coach Darryl Sutter has curious moments when he offers grudging praise for a player on a strong scoring run. But he has been consistently positive about the abilities of one of the newest Kings, power forward Milan Lucic.

Lucic had the game-winner against the Jets, driving hard to the net in typical fashion, to convert Tyler Toffoli’s pass. Sutter used the word “awesome” twice to describe Lucic, who was a plus-three.

“He’s been awesome from Day 1,” Sutter said after the game. “Until you see where good players can play, where they fit … he’s been awesome. His work ethic, his coachability, his practice habits, and all that. He’s a good example for our players.

“He’s a winner. That’s all he’s done. Hopefully, it impacts our team.”

Showing more poise in the latter stages

It’s an early sample size, just nine games in. But the Kings have been showing more poise at crunch time, unlike numerous times last season.

In the two games on this trip, they’ve been in a tie game late and managed to pull away with less than five minutes remaining in regulation. Lucic’s game-winner came with 4:41 left. In Edmonton, Tanner Pearson scored with 3:26 left in regulation to make it, 3-2.

Additionally, they have not allowed a third-period goal in two of their three road wins, at San Jose and on Tuesday night at Winnipeg.

Twitter: @reallisa