Coming off the most shameful performances of their spiraling seasons, the Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs returned to the ice Thursday night, each aiming to prove they weren't that dreadful.
The Kings made their point in hurry, scoring four goals in the first period and putting goalie Jason LaBarbera at ease. LaBarbera finished with a career-high 48 saves in the 5-2 victory in front of the seventh sellout crowd of the season at Staples Center.
The victory also ended a three-game losing streak and may have signaled the beginning of a turnaround. Or, at the very least, the end of the latest free fall.
"Our fans have supported us the whole year and it was our responsibility to come out and show them that we're not giving up on the season," said Dustin Brown, who scored two goals. "We're a good team in here, it's just a matter of putting the hard work in, and tonight we put the hard work in."
Kings end losing streak (LATIMES) 
