Game report: Kings 2, Flames 1

Key play: Anze Kopitar tapped a deflected shot-pass from teammate Drew Doughty into an open net for the go-ahead power-play goal late in the second period to propel the Kings to a 2-1 victory Tuesday over the Calgary Flames at Staples Center.

Pivotal performer: Calgary goaltender Joni Ortio made his first start for the Flames since Oct. 30 against the Montreal Canadiens. Ortio kept the Flames within striking distance by making 13 saves during a scoreless first period. He spent most of the season with the Stockton Heat of the AHL.

Quote, unquote: “We didn’t play our best game, but at this time of the year it doesn’t really matter as long as you get the two points,” Kopitar said. “We certainly realize there’s room for improvement. … We’ve got to continue building momentum at home and take care of business.”

Lineup changes: Left wing Michael Mersch was the odd-man out of the Kings’ lineup with the return of Kopitar to fitness after Kopitar sat out a 2-1 overtime loss Saturday to the Nashville Predators because of a lower-body injury.

Legends night: The Kings honored Mike Donnelly as part of their Legends Night series. Donnelly played with Tony Granato and Corey Millen on the “All-American Line” and was a member of the Kings team that advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in 1993.