In the third, the Kings ran away with it a bit, getting goals from Arthur Kaliev, Danault and a second from Moore.
It was a great start to the Los Angeles Kings' two-game road trip as they hammered the Winnipeg Jets 5-1 Tuesday night.
It was a fairly back-and-forth first period with the Jets heavily outshooting the Kings, but the Kings grabbing more high-danger chances. Cam Talbot had a strong first though and kept things tied.
The Kings then grabbed some momentum midway through the second with Pierre-Luc Dubois' first game as a King in his return to Winnipeg.
Trevor Moore added a second in that period, cashing in on Phil Danault's centering feed with a quick wrist shot.
In the third, the Kings ran away with it a bit, getting goals from Arthur Kaliev, Danault and a second from Moore.
Mark Scheifele spoiled the shutout late in the game, but the Kings came out 5-1 winners.
Here are three takeaways from the victory:
New Look Nice Line Dominant:
With Kaliyev returning from his suspension Todd McLellan had a decision to make. Put Kaliyev back with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Kevin Fiala and move Alex Laferriere, or put Kaliyev in Viktor Arvidsson's spot. McLellan opted for the latter and boy did it work out.
Kaliyev, Danault and Moore combined for four goals and nine total points.
Moore was the true standout on this line with his two goals and a primary assist. It was clear he's back to his best form in preseason and he's carried that over into the first three games.
In fact, this might be the best Moore has ever looked. He's still his usual self, hardworking, diligent defensively and creative. But he's appeared to add a new goal-scoring element to his game.
Of course, it's far too early to declare him a goal scorer, but his shot looks much better than it ever has.
Danault was his usual self, as complete a center as you'll find.
Like Moore, Kaliyev has potentially added a new element to his game, some speed. He didn't look fast Tuesday, and he probably never will, but he certainly didn't look slow. This is a big step up for Kaliyev and could be the catalyst for a breakout season.
With the puck on his stick, he's always been a threat but struggled to keep pace in the NHL. That looks like it might not be an issue anymore.
Dubois Scores in His Return to Winnipeg:
Dubois knew he would get booed in this game and Winnipeg fans did not disappoint.
Fortunately for the Kings, Dubois didn't disappoint either, picking up his first goal in a Kings jersey.
It was a nice play, driving to the net from the corner as a power play expired, Dubois moved the puck backdoor to Anze Kopitar and then deposited Kopitar's rebound past Connor Hellebuyck.
Outside of the goal Dubois was solid too. He was physical and engaged for most of the game, although he could have given a better effort on Scheifele's late goal.
The early signs have been good from Dubois so far and if he can build off a solid start the Kings will have a real player on their hands.
One negative to keep an eye on is his faceoff percentage. He lost more faceoffs than he won again on Tuesday and that has to change going forward.
Still, a strong game and a first goal for Dubois.
Cam Talbot With a Strong Performance:
After giving up ten goals in the first two games — not including the goal added on after the shootout loss — many fans feared the worst for the Kings' goalie situation.
It was too early then to make definitive judgments, and it still is, but a 26-save, one-goal-against performance that saw Talbot register 1.25 goals saved above expected is a step in the right direction.
Going back to McLellan's constant point of timely saves, the Kings got them from Talbot a lot in the first period. He made a big stop on a Rasmus Kupari breakaway and denied what would have been a go-ahead goal a few more times in the first.
I wouldn't say Talbot stood on his head or stole this game for the Kings, but he came up with some big saves that kept the Kings in this one at the start.
He was unlucky not to grab a shutout and if he can keep up these kinds of performances he might take over as the full-time starter.