NHL

L.A. gets back on track with 3-1 win over Chicago

6/5/2013

LOS ANGELES — Slava Voynov had a goal and an assist, Jonathan Quick made 19 saves, and the Los Angeles Kings beat Chicago 3-1 in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night, trimming the Blackhawks’ series lead to 2-1.

Justin Williams also scored and Dwight King added an empty-net goal in the defending Stanley Cup champions’ 15th consecutive home victory since March. The Kings have won eight straight home playoff games, dating to last season’s title clincher, and they never trailed while ending the top-seeded Blackhawks’ five-game postseason winning streak.

Game 4 is Thursday night.

Bryan Bickell scored and Corey Crawford stopped 25 shots for the Blackhawks, who chased Quick from Game 2 and earned back-to-back home victories to open the series last weekend.

The Kings had lost five of their previous seven playoff games before getting back to friendly Staples Center and their sellout crowd. Quick also returned to Conn Smythe Trophy form in Game 3, highlighted by a dazzling late save on Bickell, while his teammates generated just enough offense to hold off the Blackhawks.

Jeff Carter had two assists during an inspired effort despite the absence of injured linemate Mike Richards, and Voynov had his fourth multipoint game in a prolific postseason.

The Blackhawks matched their playoff low with just 20 shots, but were one good bounce away from tying the score late.

Brandon Saad nearly had an open net after a cross-ice pass from Viktor Stalberg with five minutes left, but couldn’t collect the puck. Moments later, Keith missed a near-breakaway at the Kings’ blue line when Chicago went offside — and Quick set off a frenzy in the crowd when he improbably stopped Bickell’s fine chance late.

The Kings played their second straight game without Richards, their leading postseason scorer heading into Game 3. He has an apparent concussion after a hit from Dave Bolland in the opener.

Richards’ absence opened a lineup spot for rookie Tyler Toffoli, who has three points in the last two games.