Some goals are more memorable than others. Marian Gaborik and Anze Kopitar on Tuesday night combined on one that they will not soon forget.
Gaborik scored twice in the third period to lead the Los Angeles Kings past the Minnesota Wild 5-2 for their sixth straight victory.
The second goal of the night for 35-year-old Gaborik gave him 400 for his career. It came off an assist from Kopitar, his 500th in the NHL.
“They were asking me, who gets the puck?” Kings coach John Stevens said. “I’m happy for those guys. Kopi’s just been a horse all year. It’s impressive to me to see that type of number with Gabby at his age and the injuries he’s fought through, to be that good a player. That’s kind of fitting that those two guys would partner up on a milestone like that.”
Jake Muzzin, Adrian Kempe and Kopitar also scored for Los Angeles, who broke loose for four goals in the third period. Jonathan Quick made 19 saves.
Charlie Coyle and Tyler Ennis scored for Minnesota. Devan Dubnyk stopped 23 shots.
The Kings are the NHL’s best third-period team, so their onslaught hardly came as a surprise to the Wild.
“You knew they’re plus-23 in the third and leading the league in that,” coach Bruce Boudreau said. “When they put their push on, we just didn’t do anything about it.”
The Kings are now plus-27 in the third.
“That was probably as good a third period as we’ve had this year,” Stevens said.
Kopitar added an empty-net goal to go with his two assists. He has 15 goals this season.
“We were just able to lock the game down,” Kopitar said. “They didn’t have much in the third, and I think we did a good job.”
The Wild played well enough in the first two periods to carry a 2-1 lead into the third.
Los Angeles tied it on a two-on-one breakaway, with Kopitar giving Gaborik a late feed for his first goal.
“You don’t want to give them life or anything to feel good about,” Dubnyk said. “The two-on-one from the far blue line, obviously they made a nice play. They’re feeling good, the energy in the building is high and they start coming back. That’s a good hockey team.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely