Avalanche Final Score: Late Comeback Falls Short, Colorado Loses 4-3 To Kings

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) – Jarret Stoll’s third-period goal turned out to be the game-winner, as the Los Angeles Kings held off a Colorado rally to beat the Avalanche, 4-3, at Staples Center.

The Kings scored the game’s first four goals, with Stoll’s capping the run 5:47 into the final period. The Avalanche nearly pulled off the big comeback, getting within one when Stoll accidentally kicked Paul Stastny’s backhander into the Los Angeles net with 29.3 seconds remaining.

However, goaltender Jonathan Quick and the Kings didn’t allow the equalizer and held on for their third consecutive win. Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar both had a goal and an assist, while Quick made 14 saves.

David Jones scored twice for Colorado, which has dropped two in a row and 12 of 13 overall. Brian Elliott turned aside 38 shots in the setback.

Avalanche Vs. Kings: Back On The Road

With Wednesday's 5-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, the Colorado Avalanche slim playoff chances took a serious hit. With the postseason now a pipe dream, the Avalanche now have the opportunity to give some of their new acquisitions an extended look, and players without a guaranteed contract for next season get a 20 game audition in front of the coaching staff and front office.

The Avalanche travel to California and face the Los Angeles Kings, a team that has been hot of late. The Kings are currently in fifth place of the Western Conference, and have a 5-1-1 record in their past seven games. They have scored three or more goals in five of those games -- with Anze Kopitar and Jack Johnson leading the way -- and need to keep playing well to maintain their playoff position.

Colorado brings a team full of uncertainty, as Paul Stastny, Matt Hunwick, Adam Foote, and John-Michael Liles have been the center of many trade rumors this week. WIth the recent trade of previously untouchable talent in Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk, it appears that no name is safe.

Recent acquisition Brian Elliott will get the start in net for Colorado, after giving up all five goals against Edmonton. Jonathan Quick will start for Los Angeles. Quick posted a 5-0 shutout of Colorado in their last meeting on December 21, 2010.

Puck drops at 2:00 p.m. MST.