Kings creep back into playoff picture as Gaborik, Carter lead LA's 8-2 rout of Oilers

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Brandon Davidson, left, battles with Los Angeles Kings center Trevor Lewis during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, April 2, 2015, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown, center, celebrates his goal with defenseman Brayden McNabb, left, center Jarret Stoll, second from left, and center Trevor Lewis, second from right, as Edmonton Oilers defenseman Brandon Davidson skates away during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, April 2, 2015, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

LOS ANGELES – Marian Gaborik and Jeff Carter scored two goals apiece, and the Los Angeles Kings moved up in the playoff chase with an 8-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night.

Drew Doughty and captain Dustin Brown ended lengthy goal-scoring droughts in the first period to kick off the Kings' highest-scoring performance in a half-decade. They added three third-period goals against Edmonton goalie Tyler Bunz, who made his NHL debut.

Jordan Nolan also ended a long goal drought as the defending Stanley Cup champions pulled even with Winnipeg for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Los Angeles also moved one point behind Calgary for third place in the Pacific Division.

Los Angeles hadn't scored eight goals in a game since April 1, 2010, against Vancouver.