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Kings look to ignite offensive spark against Hurricanes

Oct 17, 2008 - 10:08 AM Carolina (2-1-0) at Los Angeles (1-2-0), 10:30 pm EDT

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Kings finally woke up for their offensive slumber.

Following a breakout victory, the young Kings will look to double their win total when they host the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday.

After scoring only one goal en route to being swept in a home-and-home series against the San Jose Sharks to open the season, Los Angeles gave coach Terry Murray his first win with the club on Tuesday with a 6-1 triumph over the Anaheim Ducks.

Wayne Simmonds scored his first NHL goal, while Patrick O'Sullivan, Alexander Frolov, Matt Moulson, defenseman Tom Preissing and Jarret Stoll added tallies. Captain Dustin Brown and budding star Anze Kopitar each notched two assists in the victory.

It was also the team's first game since Jack Johnson sustained a shoulder injury. The second-year defenseman is expected to be sidelined until at least the All-Star break in late January.

Goaltender Jason LaBarbera has been solid this season, posting a 2.36 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in three games. He is also a major reason why the Kings are tied for the league lead in penalty killing. Los Angeles has killed off all 14 power plays in three games.

Defenseman Drew Doughty, the No. 2 overall pick in June's draft, left in the third period of Tuesday's game with flu-like symptoms but will dress in this one.

The Hurricanes had a chance for their first 3-0-0 start since 1995-96, but dropped a 3-1 decision on Monday at home to the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings.

Goaltender Cam Ward won his only career start against Los Angeles, making 21 saves in a 2-1 victory on February 13, 2007.

Hurricanes center Zach Boychuk, who was chosen 14th in the June draft, could make his debut on Friday after recovering from wrist surgery.