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Brown's hat trick paces Kings over punchless Blackhawks

Feb 26, 2012 - 4:11 AM Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Dustin Brown scored the first three goals of the game, earning his first hat trick of the season, leading Los Angeles to a 4-0 win over Chicago at Staples Center.

"That felt good. We played a complete game tonight," Brown said of his accomplishment and the total team effort. "We're playing for a spot right now. Our preparation was right on the mark and we didn't make many mistakes."

Willie Mitchell also tallied and Jonathan Quick stopped all 19 shots he faced for his seventh shutout this season for the Kings, who put the brakes on a four-game skid.

Corey Crawford was pulled after yielding four goals on 10 shots in less than two periods for the Blackhawks, who have lost two in a row after winning four straight.

Ray Emery finished the game by making 20 saves.

Brown's power-play score just after the midway point of the first period put the Kings ahead. Jarret Stoll began the play on a criss-crossing rush from his own end, eventually dropping the puck to Brown for a successful wrister.

He doubled the LA edge exactly seven minutes later on another advantage. Stoll won a right-circle draw back to Alec Martinez, whose point blast was kicked out by Crawford -- but right to Brown for a backhander in close.

The natural hat trick was completed less than five minutes into the second period while the hosts were shorthanded, as Brown raced up the middle and dribbled a shot between Crawford's pads.

"It was tough watching tonight, said Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville. "Our power play had a tough go and there's obviously worked. Special teams is a big part of winning and losing."

Mitchell boosted the hosts to a 4-0 lead just under two minutes later by one- timing a Brown pass through traffic from the left point.

Quick made sure the lead held up with nine saves in the middle 20 minutes and four more in the third period.

Game Notes

Brown tied a career high with four points...Quick recorded his 21st career whitewash...Anze Kopitar was the last King to post a trifecta, on March 11, 2011 at Columbus, while Brown was the last LA player to record at hat trick at home, April 1, 2010 vs Vancouver...Mitchell recorded two points the day after being rewarded with a two-year contract extension...Stoll tied a career high with three assists...Chicago was blanked for the seventh time this season, and also suffered a previous shutout loss to the Kings, a 2-0 decision on December 28.