LA beats Winnipeg, Kings to hold "Bob Miller Day"

Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar and Jake Muzzin each posted 1-1—2 as the Kings (35-31-7, 77 points) scored four unanswered goals – including three in the third period – to defeat the Jets (33-34-7, 73 points) and keep pace in the race for the final Wild Card spot.

The win also prevented Minnesota – who lost in regulation – from clinching a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

In other Kings news . . .

Kings to host “Bob Miller Appreciation Day”

In a press release, the Los Angeles Kings announced that the franchise will host “Bob Miller Appreciation Day” at STAPLES Center on Saturday, April 8, as the Hockey Hall of Fame and Kings Television Play-by-Play Broadcaster officially concludes his legendary broadcasting career that weekend.

The unique event will recognize Miller’s 44-year career as the “Voice of the Kings” as he calls two more Kings games on FOX Sports West – April 8 at home against the Chicago Blackhawks (3 p.m. start time) and April 9 in Anaheim against the Ducks (5:30 p.m. start time).

“As far as any of us can remember, Bob Miller has been the Voice of the LA Kings and we are looking forward to honoring Bob and his many, many great contributions to our club and to our sport,” said Kings President, Business Operations Luc Robitaille.  “This is a chance for our tremendous fans and the Kings organization itself to give back to Bob and his family.  Watching a Kings game will never be the same after these two games but we are thrilled that Bob gets to go out on top.”

“Fan Appreciation Night” -- originally scheduled for April 8 – will now take place on April 6.

Among the expected highlights on April 8:

• The entire day will be dedicated to Bob Miller.
• A pregame Fan Fest takes place outside STAPLES Center from 1-3 p.m. and fans there can sign a special 20-foot Signature Wall and leave personal messages.
• Fans are encouraged beginning now to submit their favorite photos and/or messages via social media (using the hash-tag #ThankYouBob) and a sample of those will be featured in-arena throughout the game.
• Two special Bob Miller logos have been unveiled (attached) and the “Thank You Bob” logo will be etched into the ice behind both goal nets.
• During warm-ups all Kings players will wear Kings home jerseys with “Bob / 44” on the back.  The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game by the Kings Care Foundation.
• T-shirts will be given away to all fans in attendance and each fan in attendance will receive a “Thank You Bob” cheer card.  The backside of the card includes a special letter from Bob.
• Multiple interior and exterior – including the large City View Terrace Banner – atmosphere and décor elements will be changed out to honor Bob.
• Several testimonial videos will run throughout the game and special Bob Miller Tribute videos will run in-arena to start the game, to start the third period, and midway through the third period.
• Bob for the first time will participate in the Kings players annual “Jerseys Off The Back” ceremony at the end of the games with the winner of the Bob Miller sweater being decided by a special “Jerseys Off The Back” sweepstakes.
• Bob will address the crowd at center ice upon the conclusion of the “Jerseys Off the Back” event.

KUCHEROV’S HAT TRICK POWERS LIGHTNING TO WIN IN BOSTON

The Lightning and Bruins combined for six goals in the second period – with Tampa Bay scoring three tying goals, each within 95 seconds of Boston taking the lead – before Nikita Kucherov (3-0—3) completed a hat trick to seal Tampa Bay’s fourth straight road win.

At 35-29-9 (79 points), the Lightning moved within three points of the Bruins (38-30-6, 82 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Boston owns a 36-31 advantage in ROW and leads the season series, which closes on April 4 at TD Garden (BOS: 3-1-0; TBL: 1-2-1).

Kucherov has collected 16-11—27 in his last 15 games dating to Feb. 21 – including two of his three career hat tricks – to move from a share of 23rd to sixth place in League scoring.

COLORADO AND OTTAWA TO PLAY GAME IN SWEDEN

The Colorado Avalanche and Ottawa Senators will face off in a pair of regular-season games in Stockholm, Sweden, as part of the 2017 SAP NHL Global Series, the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association announced today. The Avalanche and Senators will play each other at the Ericsson Globe on Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11. Tickets to the 2017 SAP NHL Global Series will go on sale to the public starting on Wednesday, March 29.

SABRES' RISTOLAINEN SUSPENDED

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has been suspended for three games, without pay, for interference against Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel.

The incident occurred at 8:46 of the first period. Ristolainen was assessed a major penalty for interference and a game misconduct.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Ristolainen will forfeit $90,000.00. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

THURSDAY’S RESULTS (Home Team in Caps)

Tampa Bay 6, BOSTON 3
WASHINGTON 2, Columbus 1 (SO)
TORONTO 4, New Jersey 2
Carolina 4, MONTREAL 1
OTTAWA 2, Pittsburgh 1 (SO)
FLORIDA 3, Arizona 1
ST. LOUIS 4, Vancouver 1
NASHVILLE 3, Calgary 1
Philadelphia 3, MINNESOTA 1
CHICAGO 3, Dallas 2 (SO)
Edmonton 7, COLORADO 4
LOS ANGELES 5, Winnipeg 2

FRIDAY’S ACTION (All Times Eastern)

NY Islanders @ Pittsburgh, 7 p.m., NHLN, SN, TVAS, ROOT, MSG+
Tampa Bay @ Detroit, 7:30 p.m., FS-D, SUN
San Jose @ Dallas, 8:30 p.m., FS-SW, CSN-CA
Winnipeg @ Anaheim, 10 p.m., PRIME, TSN3

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services