What we learned from the Kings’ 3-1 victory over Washington

A few takeaways from a well-balanced performance on Saturday from the suddenly surging Kings:

There is scoring beyond Jeff Carter’s line

Finally, goals from three lines, not one.

The Kings have ridden the hot hands of Jeff Carter and his wingers, Dwight King and Tyler Toffoli. But they got some help from other sources in the victory over Washington.

“I think Carts’ line has been scoring all the goals for us the past few games,” Lewis said. “It’s nice to chip in and to get Stollie’s line to chip in too. Hopefully we can keep that going.”

Lewis scored his seventh goal of the season and first since Dec. 22, and for Stoll, it was his sixth and first since Jan. 19.

Kings flipping switch at the right time

It may not work out this time. But at least the Kings have managed to show some urgency and are only three points out of a wild-card playoff spot, trailing Calgary. Minnesota is one point ahead of the Kings.

The Kings have won four straight games, their longest winning streak since October. The level of urgency in their game has gone up a few notches in the last week or so.

Other teams have noticed too.

“They played like the game really, really meant something to them and we weren’t at their level, and that accounts for, for sure, the first half of the game,” said Washington defenseman Matt Niskanen. “Just the difference in shots and puck possession, all those things. They wanted it way more than we did tonight.”

Dwight King coming into his own

King has fit in nicely with the likes of Carter and Toffoli lately. He has scored in three straight games, a career high.

All season, Kings Coach Darryl Sutter has lamented the lack of production on the left side. King might be the answer to his concerns.

Carter and Toffoli almost seemed have immediate chemistry when they were put together last season. King has made some of the necessary adjustments to keep pace.

“They’re familiar with each other,” King said. “They play a pretty up-pace game, move and get open and they’re easy to read off.

“I’m just jumping in trying to create a little more space out there, and get the puck to them when they’re open.”