Quick's return provides jolt to playoff-chasing Kings

A season full of uncertainty gave way to a glimmer of opportunity for the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, and the reason for the rediscovered optimism is simple: they have their goalie back.

In his first start since the season opener, 2012 Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Quick turned away 32 of 33 shots, backstopping a much-need victory for his club after missing 59 games with a groin injury.

The win put Los Angeles three points back of the second wild-card position in the West, and with Quick in goal, there's a new feeling among the club.

"He's probably the emotional leader in a lot of ways for our hockey club," head coach Darryl Sutter told Helene Elliott of The Los Angeles Times. "It's good to have him back in the room."

In the chippy win over rival Anaheim, the Kings netted four goals in a game for the first time in six contests, and having Quick between the pipes afforded them the chance to play confidently.

"Something about that guy, when you have him in the net, obviously it's a calming effect," captain Anze Kopitar said. "And I think anytime you can get a player of his caliber - not necessarily the goalie - getting back in the lineup, I think it kind of sparks the team, too.

Now, not too strenuously, the Kings will rely on their No. 1 down the stretch to ideally sneak into a playoff spot - a position that's worked well for them in the past.