Kyle Clifford, Mike Richards lead champion LA Kings past Columbus 2-1

Los Angeles Kings left wing Kyle Clifford, left, scores on Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, of Russia, during the second period of their NHL hockey game, Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Nick Foligno, left, battles for the puck along with Los Angeles Kings left wing Simon Gagne, center, and center Anze Kopitar, of Slovenia, during the first period of their NHL hockey game on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

LOS ANGELES – Kyle Clifford opened the scoring late in the second period, Jonathan Bernier made 12 saves and the Los Angeles Kings beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 Friday night for the defending Stanley Cup champions' first regulation win at home this season.

Mike Richards scored during a two-man advantage in the third period for the Kings, who climbed over Columbus and out of last place in the Western Conference with their second straight victory.

Although Nick Foligno erased the shutout bid with 2:25 to play, Bernier largely shut down Columbus' punchless offense and even picked up his second career assist in his second straight victory in place of Jonathan Quick.

Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 20 shots for the NHL-worst Blue Jackets, who opened a six-game trip with their fourth loss in five games.