The Los Angeles Kings crushed the Atlanta Thrashers 3-1 Tuesday night thanks mainly to Jarret Stoll's game-winner in the third period and 31 saves of Jonathan Quick.
The Kings won their home opener on a high as Ryan Smyth scored two goals and an assist for his team and the offensive remained at its best throughout the play. The sole goal for the Thrashers came from Chris Thorburn, his team went down to 1-2-0 on the young season.
The Kings' offensive did not pay off as Atlanta goaltender Chris Mason allowed just two goals on 34 shots in the loss. The Kings were down 1-0 up until the third period when a quick two goal tally in a span of 2:17 tilted the game in their favor.
The first goal was scored by Ryan Smyth at 3:53 when his rebound marker from the left post tied the game 1-1. He punched the puck home with a backender on Anze Kopitar's pass from behind the net along the right rear boards; Smyth made full use of that opportunity.
Stoll scored the second by skating down the right-wing side and, from the circle, released a wrist shot which Atlanta defenseman Ron Hainsey failed to block and instead turned it into a soft floater that went sliding down the goal post at 6:10.
The Thrashers went on an offensive but failed to score. Smyth was able to do that with just 29.8 seconds remaining and the empty net welcomed his puck with open arms.
