Kopitar's Hat Trick Leads Kings Past Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Anze Kopitar had his second career three-goal game and Jonathan Bernier stopped 32 shots to lead the Los Angeles Kings to a 4-2 victory over Columbus on Friday night, saddling the Blue Jackets with their seventh consecutive loss.

Kopitar picked up the hat trick by the midpoint of the second period.

He was in the penalty box for hooking, but got out just in time to receive Dustin Brown's seeing-eye stretch pass at the blue line.

Kopitar then deked goalie Steve Mason before scoring easily on the forehand.

Justin Williams had a goal and two assists and Drew Doughty added two assists for the Kings.

Scottie Upshall and Derick Brassard scored for the Blue Jackets, who were in the middle of the playoff hunt until their recent collapse.

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