NHL notebook: Kings-Canucks play first exhibition game in China

Sep 22, 2017 - 12:54 AM Tanner Pearson scored two goals in an exhibition game, which would typically be no gigantic feat. But it felt like more of an accomplishment to the Los Angeles left wing with Thursday's contest being the first NHL game played in China.

Standout goalie Jonathan Quick made 31 saves and the Kings posted a 5-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks before 10,088 fans in Shanghai.

The atmosphere certainly wasn't a problem as Chinese fans were enthralled by the action. One of the biggest cheers inside Mercedes-Benz Arena came when NBA icon Kobe Bryant appeared on video to pass on a message to the Kings.

The Kings and Canucks play again on Saturday in Beijing, host of the 2022 Winter Olympics.



--Montreal Canadiens prospect Noah Juulsen will be sidelined at least six weeks with a fractured foot.

Juulsen, a defenseman, sustained the injury during Monday's preseason game against the Boston Bruins in Quebec City. The 20-year-old did not practice on Tuesday due to what the team called a bruised foot.



--Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug will miss the remainder of training camp with a broken jaw.

Krug sustained the non-displaced fracture after he was hit in the face with a puck during Tuesday's preseason victory against the Detroit Red Wings. The Bruins said Krug will be re-evaluated in three weeks.



--The St. Louis Blues named Hall of Famer and nine-time Stanley Cup champion Larry Robinson as their senior consultant to hockey operations.

Robinson is a former NHL defenseman, coach and executive. The 66-year-old most recently served as an associate coach with the San Jose Sharks from 2012-15.



--Forward Joffrey Lupul apologized over social media for writing in an Instagram comment that the Toronto Maple Leafs "cheat" after he failed a physical for the team on the first day of training camp.

"I responded earlier this week to some negative comments on Instagram. It was an inappropriate response, and I deleted it, but I take full responsibility," Lupul posted.

Lupul posted a photo on Instagram Sunday of himself snowboarding with the comments, "Haha failed physical? They cheat, everyone lets them," and "I'm ready. Just awaiting the call."

Lupul is under contract through the end of this season but hasn't played since the 2015-16 season because of numerous injuries.