Another Kings defenseman, veteran
And so, the signs were not looking ideal for the finale of the Kings' five-game trip, on Monday in Columbus. But Regehr, legendary for his toughness, played on and even added an assist as the Kings were sparked by
Carter is the former Blue Jacket whom the fans here still love to hate, and boo. He had a goal (No. 15 of the season), one assist and his line combined for five points. Linemate and left wing
"I thought the line was really good," Kings Coach Darryl Sutter said. "Jeff and Tyler and Kinger were our best forwards by a long shot."
Said Toffoli: "Carts always has that jump. But I thought Kinger had a really, really good game. He was moving the puck, moving his feet and getting the puck to the net and he got rewarded tonight."
For the Kings, it was a modest step forward. It was the first time they've won back-to-back games since mid-December and they moved within three points of the last wild-card playoff spot.
Perhaps this will eventually be known as the flipping-the-switch trip, in which the Kings finally summoned their ability to turn it on these last two games.
The Kings were able to mount fast responses to the Blue Jackets. King scored only 32 seconds after Columbus had taken a 1-0 lead in the first period on the second shift of the game. Later, after Blue Jackets forward
Kings captain
There were big minutes from the usual Kings suspects. Defenseman
"I didn't spend too much time getting any rest last night," Regehr said. "I was able to get a little bit of help from the trainers and things like that today and managed to go out there and keep everything very simple.
"Three in the morning and I just couldn't stop it … and it got worse and worse. I'm not feeling great, but it's nice we get the chance to go home and have a day off and rest. Hopefully everything gets better and subsides."
It was typical of Regehr's iron will, a formidable ability to play through assorted ailments and issues.
The Kings still could make a recall from their minor league team in Manchester, N.H. Defenseman Derek Forbort will practice with the Monarchs on Wednesday and then they will decide what to do with him, according to Kings Assistant General Manager Rob Blake.
lisa.dillman@latimes.com
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