Jonathan Quick makes big saves, and Kings beat Penguins, 3-2 in shootout

Understatement, meet Jonathan Quick.

Quick made a behind-the-back save on Pittsburgh forward Nick Bonino during the shootout in the Kings’ 3-2 victory over the Penguins on Friday night, a big-time moment on the big stage.

Reminded later of the highlight-reel save, Quick was his usual low-key self. The Kings have won six straight games, all with Quick patrolling the net.

“He made a good move,” Quick said. “Left shot, so I knew he had the ability to get it up there. I was just trying to get as much coverage as possible. Luckily it hit me.”

This left others to marvel about his wizardry at Consol Energy Arena. Quick faced 42 shots and allowed goals in regulation only to Eric Fehr at 18:45 of the second period and star forward Evgeni Malkin with 1:10 remaining in regulation, tying it, 2-2.

Anze Kopitar and Marian Gaborik scored for the Kings in the shootout. David Perron scored on Quick in the shootout but then Sidney Crosby, Malkin and Bonino were all denied and the Kings defeated the Penguins for the second time in a week.

“Big guys show up at big times in the games,” said Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin, who scored once and added an assist. “That was pretty clear tonight. Quickie made some unbelievable saves, in overtime and the behind-the-back glove save.

“I don’t think too many people, too many goalies in the world can pull that one off. And Kopi and Gabby with the big goals. Big players step up in big times.”

Muzzin, in fact, has five points in two games against the Penguins this season. His goal Friday was significant and well-timed. The Penguins dominated the second period and Muzzin came out and scored at 34 seconds of the third period, making it 2-1 as Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury allowed a soft one.

“I got a pass from Drew [Doughty], hit a one-timer and it somehow found its way through,” Muzzin said. “We’ll take it. A big goal in the game for our club. One I think maybe Fleury wants back. But hey, there’s going to be goals that shouldn’t go in and goals that should go in that don’t go in.”

It’s been a dramatic turnaround for the Kings, who struggled in the overtime and shootouts last season. They are 5-0 in overtime and 2-1 in shootouts.

“We’ve been fortunate this year we’ve been winning in overtime and shootouts, compared to last year, which was huge,” Gaborik said. “I think it was a pretty good game to watch for the fans.”

The game featured big minutes for Doughty and Kopitar. Doughty’s ice time was 30 minutes 21 seconds and he has had five straight games of 30-plus minutes. Kopitar played 25:05 and has logged 23-plus minutes in his last five games. Center Jeff Carter, who had points in his last seven games, was kept off the scoresheet.

Said Penguins Coach Mike Johnston: “They’re right there with Dallas as the best team in the West. They’re a hard team to play against.”

This was the first NHL game for Kings forward Michael Mersch, who played on a line with center Nick Shore and Dustin Brown. Mersch had two shots on goal in 11 minutes of playing time and Kings Coach Darryl Sutter said he thought Mersch was “solid.”

Mersch had plenty of family and friends on hand for the big moment and felt more comfortable as the game went along.

“First period, the jitters a little bit,” he said. “You don’t want to make a mistake. I felt like I started playing my game…. It was a special hockey game but we were able to play in their zone, had a little more puck possession, got a few cycles going and I think we developed a little chemistry between us.”

UP NEXT

KINGS AT BUFFALO SABRES

When: Saturday, 4 p.m. PST.

On the air: TV: FS West. Radio: 790.

Update: Kings backup goalie Jhonas Enroth spent most of his NHL career with the Sabres before getting traded to Dallas last season. This will be the Kings’ first time facing star rookie forward Jack Eichel, who has nine goals and 14 points, third among the Sabres.

lisa.dillman@latimes.com

Twitter: @reallisa