Final: Kings 5, Canucks 1 (updated)

Here’s the updated version of tonight’s romp by the Kings …

The Kings were locked in a scoreless game with the Vancouver Canucks when Linden Vey rocketed down the right wing midway through the first period Saturday night at Staples Center. Brad Richardson of the Canucks raced over to cut off Vey, a 22-year-old rookie.

Vey slipped the puck between Richard son’s legs, altered his course to avoid the former Kings forward and continued his charge toward the Canucks’ net. Jordan Nolan joined the play, accepted a pass from Vey and whistled a shot into the back of Roberto Luongo’s net.

Youth was served in the Kings’ 5-1 victory over the defenseless Canucks.

Vey’s first NHL point propelled the Kings to their 10th victory in their last 14 games. Tyler Toffoli, Vey’s more heralded linemate with the Manchester (N.H.) Monarchs of the American Hockey League, scored two goals and added an assist as the Kings improved to 11-6-0 overall.

Toffoli followed Vey’s dash down the ice a little less than seven minutes later to score to give the Kings a 2-0 lead by the end of the first period. Drew Doughty’s centering pass from right wing struck Toffoli’s skate and ricocheted into the net for his third career NHL goal.

Toffoli struck again midway through the second period, scoring off a fat rebound left by backup goalie Eddie Lack, who replaced Luongo. Luongo gave up four goals on 18 shots, departing after Justin Williams’ goal gave the Kings a 4-1 lead at 11:46 of the second.

“They played well tonight,” Kings forward Mike Richards said of Vey and Toffoli. “They gave us a lot of energy. It’s nice to have those guys contribute. It’s exciting for them. … The skill level they have is pretty incredible. It’s nice to see it go from practice to a game.”

Vey and Toffoli were recalled Nov. 2 from the minors after forwards Jeff Carter (foot) and Jarret Stoll (upper body) were injured. The Kings’ depth could be tested further after rugged winger Kyle Clifford suffered a head injury, according to coach Darryl Sutter, and could not continue Saturday.

“We’re kind of right at the limit, aren’t we?” Sutter asked when a reporter asked if he would like to see Vey and Toffoli stick with the Kings for an extended period. “In terms of players, we need everybody we can get. In terms of injuries.”

Of their fine play Saturday, Sutter said of Vey and Toffoli, “Both of them showed their offensive composure and their ability to handle pucks under pressure. Tyler is a shooter and Linden is a playmaker. Linden made a good play on Jordan’s goal. Tyler and his whole line played well.”

 

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