Final in Chicago: Blackhawks 3, Kings 2

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Fatigue on the second night of a back-to-back sequence and the size and net presence of the Chicago Blackhawks proved too much for the Kings to overcome Sunday.

One night after an impressive effort in Nashville they were outplayed and outhit by the Blackhawks, who earned a 3-2 victory at the United Center.

Wayne Simmonds assisted one Kings goal and scored the other, early in the third period, but the Blackhawks held on to win a feisty game and prevent the Kings from sweeping a back-to-back set for the first time in five tries.

Jonathan Quick made 21 saves and was screened on Chicago’s first two goals. The third, by Fernando Pisani, came off a good transition by the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks, who have been depleted by injuries but were gritty when they needed to be and speedy enough to confound the Kings’ defense.

The Kings are 3-1 on this five-game trip, which ends Tuesday at Denver.
Forward Brad Richardson returned to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 9 but wasn’t much of a factor.

The Kings haven’t won in Chicago since Dec. 30, 2007 and are 0-2 at the United Center this season.
More later at www.latimes.com/sports

Helene Elliott in Chicago