Corey Perry and Matt Beleskey scored first-period goals as the Anaheim Ducks beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-0 at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night in the NHL’s first warm-weather outdoor game.
Jonas Hiller made 36 saves in his 20th career shutout as the league-leading Ducks dominated the landmark meeting of Southern California’s two hockey teams under the stars in Chavez Ravine. Andrew Cogliano added an empty-net goal with 1 minute, 29 seconds left to close this unusual chapter in the NHL’s expanded slate of outdoor games.
The league threw a California carnival for the event, filling left field with a beach volleyball court and right field with a fireworks-laden stage where Kiss performed. People in shorts and tank tops played Frisbee and practiced yoga between periods while skateboarders rolled past a ball hockey court featuring youth teams.
Although the temperature was 17oC with significant humidity when Wayne Gretzky dropped the first puck, the ice held up fairly well in the night air. The Ducks’ outstanding season also remained solid in their 21st victory in 24 games, while the Kings lost their fifth straight game.
The Kings hosted the first official outdoor game west of the Rocky Mountains in recognition of the NHL’s near half-century in Los Angeles and their rivalry with the Ducks, who joined the league two decades ago.
The crowd was announced at 54,099.
SABRES 5, BLUE JACKETS 2
In Columbus, Ohio, Christian Ehrhoff and Marcus Foligno scored short-handed goals to lead Buffalo past Columbus, ending the Blue Jackets’ franchise-record winning streak at eight.
Ryan Miller was almost flawless in goal for the Sabres, making 38 saves — standing particularly tall on the Blue Jackets’ four fruitless power plays.
Matt Ellis, Steve Ott and Cody Hodgson also scored for the Sabres, who had lost five in a row (0-3-2). Ehrhoff added two assists, tying a career high with three points. Hodgson also had an assist.
Derek MacKenzie had a goal and an assist and Mark Letestu also scored for the Blue Jackets, who had tallied at least three goals in each game during the streak.
Sergei Bobrovsky, who came in 9-0-0 with a 1.80 goals-against average and .940 save percentage in his past nine starts, had a forgettable game. He was pulled after giving up three goals.
In other NHL action, it was:
‧ Blues 4, Islanders 3, SO
‧ Hurricanes 6, Senators 3
‧ Bruins 6, Flyers
‧ Capitals 5, Canadiens 0
‧ Lightning 5, Avalanche 2
‧ Jets 5, Maple Leafs 4, Ot
‧ Stars 3, Penguins 0
‧ Sharks 3, Wild 2, Ot
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