Kings Handle Blackhawks – NHL Roundup

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The defending Stanley Cup champs are on the brink of elimination after losing to the Kings for the third straight game.

Los Angeles has a three-games-to-one lead in the Western Conference finals after building a 4-0 lead in a 5-2 win over the Blackhawks. Jake Muzzin (MUZ'-ihn), Marian Gaborik (GAB'-uh-rihk) and Dustin Brown scored during a seven-minute span of the first period before Drew Doughty gave the Kings a four-goal cushion in the second. Muzzin and Dustin Brown scored on separate power plays, and Tanner Pearson added an empty-netter.

Jonathan Quick stopped 22 shots and was perfect until Brandon Saad (sahd) tallied late in the second period.

Bryan Bickell also scored for the Blackhawks, who host Game 5 on Wednesday.

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — The Washington Capitals have promoted Brian MacLellan to senior vice president and general manager while hiring former Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz.

MacLellan replaces George McPhee, whose contract was not renewed after 17 seasons with the Capitals. MacLellan has been with Washington for 13 seasons, seven as assistant GM.

Trotz was the Predators' coach for their first 15 seasons before being dropped from the job in April.