Getty Images
Getty Images

Jeff Carter has always been thought of as a key NHL player, but he is now bringing it to a new level. He has been dominant at times in his career, but at other times has often been forgotten. Well he is not being forgotten in this series.  The Blackhawks are fully aware of him and his line.

 

Carter has taken charge for the Kings, and is centering a line that consists of rookies Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli on the wings. This line has been very instrumental in the Kings series success. Tonight, Carter had a goal and two assists to help lead the Kings to a 4-3 victory.

 

The Blackhawks opened the scoring in game three when captain Jonathan Toews scored a short-handed, unassisted goal. Just under a minute later the Kings bounced back, and scored a power play goal. Defenseman Slava Voynov scored on a slap shot to even the game. Just over midway through the first period the Blackhawks scored again. It was Jonathan Toews scoring his second of the game.

 

The Kings rebounded in the second period. Just over eight minutes into the period Jeff Carter scored his eighth playoff goal on a wrist shot that snuck by Corey Crawford. The Kings young line got on the board again just six minutes later when rookie Tyler Toffoli scored. The Kings were up 3-2 at the end of the second period.

 

The Kings domination continued in the third period.  At the 11:57 mark the Kings took a two-goal lead. Drew Doughty was able to slip a slap shot through traffic, and past Corey Crawford. The Kings then held play, and protected this third period lead until five seconds left in the game. The Blackhawks Patrick Sharp tipped in a shot from Nick Leddy, but there was just not enough time for any more last second antics from the Blackhawks.

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The Kings played a very complete game tonight, and their team depth has really been paying off. Jeff Carter described how his line is having success. “(Pearson and Toffoli) are working and they’re having fun. They use their speed and their skill to create opportunities. Kind of dragging me along with them, so it’s been good.”

 

The Kings look to extended their series lead to 3-1 on Monday night in Los Angeles.