20-year-old rookie's third-period goal gives L.A. victory

By Matt McHale

Alexander Frolov walked into Andy Murray's office Monday morning and sheepishly asked whether the Kings coach could sign a jersey for his dad.

At age 20, Frolov is just a kid. But this is playoff crunch time and rookies can't be rookies anymore.

Frolov watched Ziggy Palffy weave more magic Monday night, Palffy scoring a goal after missing a penalty shot. But the Kings' riveting 3-2 victory at Staples Center belonged to Frolov, a possible breakout game he won with a goal late in the third period.

"I watch Ziggy every game and every day in practice," Frolov said. "I just learn so much. I want to play like that. That goal made me feel like I was contributing."

It was Frolov's 10th of the season and it was big. With a Chicago loss, the Kings (25-26-4-4) now trail the ninth-place Blackhawks by three points in the Western Conference. The eighth-place Edmonton Oilers are six points ahead of the Kings for the final playoff spot.