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What we learned from the Kings’ 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks in a shootout

Vancouver Canucks' Alexandre Burrows, left, gets his shot stopped by Kings goalie Peter Budaj during the shootout on Saturday.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
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A few more takeaways as the Kings won their second game of the season, in nail-biting fashion after allowing a late goal in regulation. Kings goalie Peter Budaj stopped all three Canucks’ players in the shootout on Saturday night at Staples Center.

Welcome to the Budaj Era

Peter Budaj is one of those goalies who can seemingly survive an early miscue and pull it together when necessary.

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At 34, he’s essentially seen it all. And maybe that’s what the Kings need at this stage as they deal with injuries to goalies Jonathan Quick and Jeff Zatkoff.

“I think he was really disappointed a week or so ago when he went unclaimed on waivers,” Kings Coach Darryl Sutter in his postgame news conference. “Hopefully, he’s trying to prove a point to everybody in the league. He’s a proud guy.”

Brown’s impact loomed large

It was almost like a throwback night for Kings winger Dustin Brown with his goal and two assists and frequent flashes of physical play.

Brown has handled his on-ice struggles in recent seasons and loss of the team captaincy with his usual class and dignity.

It will be interesting to see if Saturday’s showing proves to be a launching pad for the revitalization of Brown.

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Flukes count

You have to love Tanner Pearson’s honesty. The left wing was candid about his “strategy” on his clinching goal in the shootout.

“I’ll admit that was a missed shot,” he said, looking amused. “I was trying to go high. I kind of fanned on it and it just went five-hole.”

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