Second-period burst sends Devils past slumping Kings

Los Angeles, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The New Jersey Devils began their three- game California road trip on a good note, scoring four-second period goals in a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings.

Steve Bernier had two power-play goals and Cory Schneider made 23 saves for the Devils, who snapped a two-game losing streak.

"We had a couple of days off so we had some good jump tonight and that's always helpful," Schneider said.

Marian Gaborik scored in a third straight game for Los Angeles, which has dropped six of eight.

"We just need more effort and a willingness to get it done," said Kings defenseman Matt Greene.

The Kings changed goalies midway through the second period. Jonathan Quick replaced Martin Jones, who allowed three goals on eight shots. Jones was back in net at the start of the third. Quick allowed two goals on seven shots.

Los Angeles tied it at 1-1 early in the second. Drew Doughty led a rush from his own zone and skated around New Jersey defenseman Jon Merrill before driving to the net. He then dished the puck off to Dustin Brown for the goal at the 1:16 mark.

New Jersey grabbed a 2-1 lead at 8:57 when Bernier's pass went in off the left skate of Doughty. The tally was the first of three in a span of 68 seconds for the Devils.

Martin Havlat fired the puck from the slot over Jones' glove at 9:20, triggering the goaltending change. Mike Cammalleri scored from in front following a scramble around the crease at 10:05, and Michael Ryder made it 5-1 with 2:55 remaining.

Gaborik backhanded in a rebound past Schneider for the Kings' second goal at 7:16 of the third. Justin Williams scored on a deflection with 57.8 seconds left.

Bernier opened the scoring with 13.3 seconds remaining in the first period.

Game Notes

The game was the fifth on a seven-game homestand for the Kings ... Los Angeles forward Dwight King played in his 200th NHL game ... The Devils placed forward Tuomo Ruutu (flu) on injured reserve and activated defenseman Eric Gelinas.