Kings Defeat Capitals, 6-5, as Former Islander Bourne Scores Three

When Bob Bourne played for the New York Islanders, the sight of Washington sweaters was enough to get his adrenaline flowing.

On Tuesday night, Bourne discovered that a change of uniform has not altered that situation, and his first three goals as a member of the Kings contributed mightily to a 6-5 victory over the Capitals.

The Kings’ second road win of the season did not come easily, however. A 5-3 lead evaporated in 49 seconds and the game-winner turned out to be a power-play goal by Jay Wells with 8:23 remaining.

“It was pretty nerve-wracking,” said Coach Pat Quinn, puffing on what he called a “nervous cigar.”

“We thought we might have had it in the bag when we went up 5-3, but it tightened up real quick. Maybe things are evening up. We played better earlier, but we weren’t getting the wins. It certainly wasn’t pretty tonight.”

Wells connected on a 40-footer from the left point while Bryan Erickson screened goaltender Pete Peeters. Washington was shorthanded at the time, Peeters having drawn the only penalty of the third period for flipping the puck into the stands.

Bourne put the Kings ahead on the first shot of the night, ending a drought that had extended through 18 games since he was plucked from the Islanders in the Oct. 6 waiver draft. His second goal produced a 3-3 tie late in the second period and he took a rebound off the rear boards to complete his second career hat trick at 32 seconds of the third.

Bourne’s big night made a prophet out of Phil Myre, the Kings’ assistant coach.

“Before the game, Phil told me that ‘Bournie is hot. He’s going to get some tonight,’ ” Quinn said. “The last three games, Bob has been very sound. His early play showed preoccupation and he wasn’t in the game.

“There are a lot of decisions to make for a player let go by his lifelong team. He had to worry about his family and other things and he was preoccupied. But the last three games he played like the Bourne of the reputation he has.”

Bourne admitted that the sight of the Capitals had been a spur to his game. He has faced them 55 times, collecting 23 goals and 18 assists.

“I don’t know how many games I’ve played here, but I felt comfortable tonight,” Bourne said. “I know their team inside out. I will say, though, it looks like an altogether different team. When I was with the Islanders, they were always flying like crazy. Tonight, they looked sluggish and confused.”

Of Myre’s prediction, Bourne said: “It was unbelievable the way I couldn’t miss anything at the morning skate. Everything I shot went in. It helped my confidence tonight.

“I’ve had 25 shots and I don’t know why they haven’t gone in before, but it seemed easy tonight. I’m glad I was able to help us get our second win on the road. We’ve been struggling. It’s nice to help the old Islanders out, too.”

Washington is fifth in the Patrick Division, with the Islanders four points ahead in third place. The Capitals’ loss extended their winless streak to five games, and Peeters was upset with the way he was continually besieged by the Kings.

“They get a goal right off the bat in the first period, and then in the third period the puck goes off the dasher and a guy is right there,” Peeters said. “You wonder what’s going on. How can guys float around untouched sometimes? I’m not blaming my teammates, but I’m just frustrated. I felt good tonight and I thought I played well.”

Peeters kept the Capitals in the game over the first 10 minutes, when they were outshot, 9-3, and trailed by only 1-0. The Capitals rebounded to lead, 2-1, at the intermission.

A power-play goal by Grant Ledyard and Bourne’s second goal produced a 3-3 tie at the second intermission. Kevin Hatcher scored the first of his two goals on Washington’s lone shot during the first 17 minutes of the second period.

“After they got that quick goal in the first period, we played really hard and it looked like we were into it,” Washington Coach Bryan Murray said. “Then, in the second period, we get three shots.”

Bourne’s third goal was followed by Jim Fox’ seventh of the season, a 40-footer past Peeters’ glove. But Hatcher and Larry Murphy, the former Los Angeles defenseman, beat Roland Melanson within 49 seconds to set the stage for Wells.

Luc Robitaille had two assists to extend his points streak to six games with the Kings, who continue this five-game road swing tonight in Chicago.