NHL

Kempe's first NHL goal propels Kings past slumping Caps, 4-2

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty, right, celebrates next to Washington Capitals center Lars Eller, left, of Denmark, and goalie Philipp Grubauer, center, of Germany, after the Kings scored a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 11, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Kang) (The Associated Press)

Washington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana, left, of the Czech Republic, and Los Angeles Kings center Nic Dowd, center, fight for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 11, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Kang) (The Associated Press)

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Paul LaDue shoots the puck during the second period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Saturday, March 11, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Kang) (The Associated Press)

Adrian Kempe scored his first NHL goal with 11:14 to play and captain Anze Kopitar had a goal and an assist in the Los Angeles Kings' 4-2 victory over the NHL-leading Washington Capitals on Saturday night.

Marian Gaborik also scored and Jonathan Quick made 17 saves in a big win for the Kings, who have won three of four as they fight to stay in the playoff race. Jeff Carter added an empty-net goal, and Los Angeles won back-to-back games for the first time since early February.

The Kings are in ninth place in the Western Conference, trailing St. Louis by three points.

Jakub Vrana and T.J. Oshie scored for the Capitals, who have lost three straight regulation games for the first time in their outstanding season.