What we learned from the Kings’ 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning

A few takeaways before the Kings take off on a six-game trip, starting in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday and finishing on Dec. 19 at Toronto:

Sutter, the seer

We learned Kings center Anze Kopitar is going to get more assists … a lot more.

The topic was Kopitar, who recorded his 400^th career assist with the primary assist on defenseman Brayden McNabb’s goal in the second period. He became the sixth player in Kings’ franchise history to hit that mark.

“What was the milestone?” Kings Coach Darryl Sutter asked reporters afterward.

Informed of the number, Sutter said, “Oh, he’s probably going to get 400 more…. Remember I said that too, because it’ll happen.”

Penalty-killing clinics, continued

The Kings were flawless over the weekend, not allowing a power-play goal in the two victories over Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay. The Lightning went 0-4 on the power play, including an extended period (1 minute, 10 seconds) of five-on-three action.

“Trying to take the lanes away. Obviously they have some really skilled guys that can make some plays,” Kopitar said. “Usually when Quickie [goalie Jonathan Quick] is on, it’s obviously a little bit easier. Tonight that was the case.”

Naturally Sutter had his own take on the penalties, adding a Sutter-like twist.

“Those should have been announced as slow-moving violations,” Sutter said. “Every one of them.”

Life (not) in the fast lane.

Home dominance looking a lot like last season

Remember the Kings had some extended impressive stretches at home in 2014-15, in fact, winning all six games of a home stand in October.

But that was undercut by road woes.

The Kings haven’t forgotten that, naturally. This current run at home is a six-game winning streak at Staples Center, starting Nov. 12 against the New York Islanders and Nov. 14 against the Edmonton Oilers.

They went 2-2-1 on the road and returned home to win four straight. Their 11 wins at home this season is second in the NHL behind the New York Rangers, who have won 12.

“You want to build off that, the feeling that you created,” said Kings left wing Milan Lucic, who scored his 10^th goal of the season, making it 3-1 in the second period.

“Winning these important ones at home, you want to bring that mentality on the road. That workman-like mentality.”

Twitter: @reallisa