Kings get goals from Brown and Carter in 4-1 victory against Avalanche

Los Angeles Kings center Jarret Stoll, left, celebrates a goal by center Trevor Lewis, right, during the second period of their NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Los Angeles Kings right wing Justin Williams, left, and Colorado Avalanche left wing Patrick Bordeleau battle for the puck during the second period of their NHL hockey game, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Dustin Brown and Jeff Carter scored first-period goals, Trevor Lewis added his first career short-handed goal, and the Los Angeles Kings beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 on Saturday for their third straight victory.

Anze Kopitar also scored and Jonathan Quick made 23 saves for the defending Stanley Cup champions, who won for the fifth time in six games after beginning the day 11th in the Western Conference and two points out of a playoff spot. Last season, the Kings became the first team in history to win the Cup as an eighth seed.

Milan Hejduk scored a power-play goal for the Avalanche, who had won their previous five meetings with the Kings. Semyon Varlamov made 22 saves.