Though the Kings' modest winning streak ended Thursday at three games, the team is playing better at the defensive end.
It took a deflected shot late in the third period - the second of the game - for Columbus to beat the Kings.
Earlier in the season, teams were taking advantage of defensive breakdowns for easy goals.
"If you're a goaltender, you want teams playing in front of you the way we're playing in front of them right now," Kings coach Marc Crawford said. "I can't remember the last time we gave up a 2-on-1, a 3-on-1. I can't remember the last time I saw a guy wide open in front of the net for a scoring chance. We've really packed it in nicely. We have cleaned up our game and, as a goalie, you have to be excited about that.
"You know most of the stuff is going to come the way it did (Thursday). They're going to take the puck low, try to outman you at the net. I contend those are much more manageable for a goalie than the breakdown-type chances."
Kings getting more defensive (Daily News) 
