After one in Detroit: Kings 1, Red Wings 0
The Kings scored the only goal of the first period, despite some flurries by the Red Wings that tested Jonathan Quick.
Alexei Ponikarovsky controlled the puck along the left-wing boards and passed back to the point to Matt Greene, one of many Kings who were born or grew up in Michigan. Greene’s shot rebounded into the slot, where Wayne Simmonds pounced on it, turned, and sent a wrist shot through Jimmy Howard’s pads at 13:27.
The Red Wings had an 11-7 edge in shots, including a slap shot with about a second left that Quick did well to stop.
Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell, playing for the first time since he fractured his left wrist on Nov. 6, looked as if he hadn’t missed a beat. He played eight minutes and five seconds, paired with Jack Johnson. Mitchell played the right side and Johnson — who attended the University of Michigan and spends summers in this area — played the left side.
Oscar Moller, playing his second game since being called up from Manchester of the American Hockey League, played 5:39. He skated alongside Ryan Smyth and Jarret Stoll.
More later at www.latimes.com/sports
Helene Elliott, in Detroit
Photo: Wayne Simmonds prepares to collect a rebound and score against Detroit in the first period Monday night. Credit: Jerry S. Mendoza / Associated Press
