Saturday night's matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers felt like a potentially season-defining game for the Kings. Obviously, the impact of this game on the standings wouldn't make or break their season, but the context around the game made it so important. It was their first game after relieving Todd McLellan of his duties as head coach and the beginning of the Jim Hiller era, at least on an interim basis. It was also a game against the Kings' biggest rival right now who happens to be the hottest team in hockey. The Kings were facing several tests and their ability to pass said tests felt like foreshadowing for the remainder of the season. The Kings passed with flying colors on Saturday with a 4-0 win. From top to bottom, it was a strong performance from the team, but three names stood out in particular; David Rittich, Quinton Byfield and Pierre-Luc Dubois. EDM 2/10 DAVID RITTICH: Rittich has come in and taken the starting job amidst Cam Talbot's struggles and doesn't appear to be giving it up any time soon. A 26-save shutout is impressive and it wasn't like he was facing a ton of shots from the perimeter, Edmonton had their chances. He made big saves at timely moments which kept the Kings in the game, particularly early on. His play was also a key factor in the Kings going 5-for-5 on the penalty kill. It's a cliche, but your goalie has to be your best penalty killer and Rittich was that on Saturday. Rittich coming in and looking like a solid option in net could be a saving grace for the Kings as Talbot looks to re-discover his game. QUINTON BYFIELD: Byfield just continues to get better and better, something that should be terrifying for the rest of the league. It was another strong game in all three zones from Byfield and a game where the offense matched his overall play. Two goals and a primary assist capped off a great night from Byfield as he continues to emerge as a true star in the league. It wasn't just the production either, it was how it came. We saw a level of composure and confidence on the puck that had been lacking from him early in his career. It's become more prevalent in his game this season and was on full display Saturday. PIERRE-LUC DUBOIS: That's the Dubois Rob Blake thought he was acquired last summer when he sent a haul to Winnipeg and pinned Dubois to a massive contract. He was engaged all night, he was physical and he brought some offense to match it all. Perhaps the most interesting part of the night regarding Dubois was Hiller's confidence to frequently have him on the ice against Leon Draisaitl. Dubois was rarely trusted with that kind of matchup under McLellan but it seems like Hiller is going to challenge Dubois against the best players in hockey. After the game, Dubois mentioned how important the boost in ice time was for him and he repaid Hiller's confidence with a hardworking effort. It's important not to get carried away off the back of one performance and worth pointing out that his line was frequently caved in against Draisaitl. But they held on and his effort was a step in the right direction. Now it's about having that kind of performance regularly. LOOKING AHEAD: The Kings are back in action Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres, as they try and prove Saturday's performance wasn't just a one-off. The victory over Edmonton needs to be the start of a strong run of games for the Kings and that continues in Buffalo.
