Kopitar, Rittich lead the Kings' rebound for a 4-1 win over NHL-leading Jets
David Rittich made 13 saves in his 100th career victory, and captain Anze Kopitar had a goal and an assist in the Los Angeles Kings' 4-1 victory over the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday night.
Phillip Danault and Kevin Fiala also scored, and Adrian Kempe added an empty-net goal for the Kings.
Gabriel Vilardi scored against his former team for the Jets, who have lost four of seven since their 15-1-0 start to the season. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 30 shots in the fourth game on Winnipeg's six-game trip.
Rittich was Hellebuyck's backup for the 2022-23 Jets.
Kopitar redirected Kempe's shot from the point on the power play just 1:52 in. Danault then skated unimpeded across Winnipeg's goal mouth in the second for his second goal of the season, ending a 10-game drought.
Two minutes later, Vilardi lifted a rebound nine seconds into a power play for Winnipeg's first goal.
But early in the third, Fiala flung a puck toward the net and got credit for his eighth goal when it banked in off Haydn Fleury's skate. Los Angeles' Swiss forward ended an eight-game goal drought.
Takeaways
Jets: The offensive powerhouse struggled mightily against Los Angeles' disciplined defensive effort, managing a season-low 14 shots. Winnipeg's early-season goal production probably wasn't sustainable, but the Jets have scored just three combined goals in their four losses over the past two weeks.
Kings: A much-needed rebound performance after their humiliating 7-2 loss to cellar-dwelling San Jose.
Key moment
Former Kings forward Rasmus Kupari was awarded a penalty shot early in the second period, but Rittich stopped it comfortably with an outstretched pad.
Key stat
Winnipeg hadn't recorded fewer than 20 shots in any game this season, but the Kings excel at limiting opponents' chances.
Up next
The Jets visit Vegas on Friday, while the Kings drive down to Anaheim on Friday morning for the post-Thanksgiving Freeway Faceoff.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports.
Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post
Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.'
Sask. hockey coach convicted of historic sex crime back on day parole after 'behavioural concerns'
A former WHL coach found guilty last year of sexually assaulting a teen boy is back on day parole.
The Body Shop Canada to be sold to Serruya Private Equity
The Body Shop Canada is due to be sold to a company led by the co-founder of frozen yogurt chain Yogen Früz.
Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get on U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's good side for the sake of a smooth bilateral relationship, he'll likely have to be openly deferential, says former U.S. National Security Advisor, John Bolton.
Luxury real estate brokers charged in federal indictment with sex trafficking in NYC
Two luxury real estate brokers and their brother have been charged with luring, drugging and violently raping dozens of women over more than a decade.
Alberta family doctor suspended for unprofessional conduct
An Alberta family doctor and veterinarian has been suspended for unprofessional conduct.
Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment
Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of 'man-made holes and tunnels' during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week.
Certain foods may disrupt your body's fight against cancer cells, study says
The food you eat may be affecting your body’s ability to fight cancer cells in the colon, according to a new study.