but never got closer than four, as the Rebels

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Kings know all about the creeping inevitability that sets in when a team gets behind 0-3 in a playoff series. After all, thats where they put every opponent they faced on the way to the Stanley Cup title last year. With more big points from their Siberian defenceman and even more big saves from their champion goalie, Los Angeles stayed safely out of that hole in the Western Conference finals. Slava Voynov had a goal and an assist, Jonathan Quick made 19 saves, and Los Angeles beat Chicago 3-1 in Game 3 Tuesday night, trimming the Blackhawks series lead to 2-1. "This is kind of what I expected this to be when we did it last year," captain Dustin Brown said. "Last year, we were playing at a level few teams ever play at. This year, its taking that extra effort out of us, and were coming up with it." Game 4 is Thursday night in Los Angeles. Justin Williams also scored and Dwight King added an empty-net goal in the defending NHL champions 15th consecutive home victory since March. The Kings never trailed while ending the top-seeded Blackhawks five-game post-season winning streak, but they had to survive a tense third period with Quicks brilliance and a strong defensive effort, avoiding that nearly insurmountable three-game deficit. "Its not something we wanted to try and test out, so it was certainly a must-win in our situation," Kings defenceman Rob Scuderi said. "We were just able to be aggressive instead of sitting back and letting them dictate the pace this time. Thats what we have to do to compete with those guys." Jeff Carter had two assists in an inspired effort, despite the absence of injured linemate Mike Richards, and Voynov had his fourth multipoint game in a prolific post-season. Every time the Blackhawks mounted their speedy attack, the Kings survived with solid defence and fortunate bounces -- a combination theyve been getting all spring at Staples Center. Although they cant explain it, the Kings have won all eight of their home playoff games -- nine straight dating to last seasons title clincher. After their 16-4 roll through last seasons playoffs, not much has been easy this year for the Kings, who havent scored more than two goals without an empty-netter in their last eight games. "We have a certain way we need to play," Kings defenceman Robyn Regehr said. "For whatever reason, we do a heck of a good job of it at home, and not as good on the road." Bryan Bickell scored and Corey Crawford stopped 25 shots for the Blackhawks, who chased Quick from Game 2 and earned back-to-back home victories to open the series last weekend. The Kings had lost five of their previous seven playoff games before getting back to friendly Staples Center and their sellout crowd. Quick also returned to Conn Smythe Trophy form in Game 3, highlighted by a dazzling late save on Bickell, while his low-scoring teammates generated just enough offence to hold off the Blackhawks, who hadnt lost since Game 4 of the second round. "They play a lot better at home," Crawford said. "They were buzzing. They were running around a little bit more than in Chicago, but we were ready for that. We knew they would come harder. We were almost there. We almost tied it." The Blackhawks matched their playoff low with just 20 shots, but the Presidents Trophy winners were one good bounce away from tying the score in the final minutes. Brandon Saad nearly had an open net after a cross-ice pass from Viktor Stalberg with 5 minutes left, but couldnt collect the puck. Moments later, Keith missed a near-breakaway at the Kings blue line when Chicago went offside -- and Quick set off a frenzy in the crowd when he stopped Bickells fine chance late. "We knew exactly what kind of game they were going to play, and that they would have more confidence and more energy in their own building," Saad said. "We just didnt bring that same effort and same pace. There were a lot of little thing we could do better, but that comes with our preparation and being ready to play at the highest level. We know weve got to be better than that." The Kings played their second straight game without Richards, their leading post-season scorer heading into Game 3. The veteran centre has an apparent concussion after a big hit from Dave Bolland in the series opener. Richards absence opened a lineup spot for promising rookie Tyler Toffoli, who has three points in the last two games. The 21-year-old AHL rookie of the year got the primary assist on Voynovs goal. After the Kings scored just 11 goals in their previous seven games, coach Darryl Sutter shook up his lines. Slumping centre Anze Kopitar was moved back to the third line, while Jarret Stoll moved up to the Kings nominal top line between Williams and Brown. Between the line changes and the desperation necessary in such a situation, the Kings came out with a noticeable edge and improved passing. They took the lead just 3:21 in on a strong sequence started and finished by Williams, who forced Nick Leddys turnover before scoring on a pass from Voynov. The two-time Stanley Cup winner has six goals in the playoffs -- four in the past six games -- after scoring just 11 in the 48-game regular season. Los Angeles kept up the pressure in the second period, with Carter and Toffoli generating sustained pressure before Voynov beat Crawford, who was screened. Voynovs shot was doubly hard to stop because he broke his stick on the swing, turning it into a changeup. The Kings got a four-minute power play moments later when defenceman Duncan Keith high-sticked Carter in the face, punctuating a bad-tempered game by opening a gash on Carters mouth. Sutter thought Keith deserved a match penalty for the nasty play, calling it "retaliation." But Los Angeles managed just one shot on that scoreless power play, and Bickell got the Blackhawks back in it with his seventh goal of the post-season in the final minute of the second period. Bickell was left untouched behind the net after Kings defencemen Drew Doughty and Robyn Regehr both lost their footing, and the pending free agent skated in front alone to beat Quick with just Chicagos third shot of the period. But the Blackhawks couldnt get another past Quick, who had dominated the first two rounds with the same style that made him the Kings playoff MVP last year. The Blackhawks hadnt been at Staples Center since both clubs season opener Jan. 19, when Chicago spoiled the Kings banner-raising ceremony with a 5-2 victory. NOTES: Williams and Chicago RW Patrick Sharp nearly fought early in the game while scuffling for position before a faceoff, but linesmen kept them apart. "He asked me to fight," Sharp said. "If he asks me again, Ill fight him any day he wants." ... D Jake Muzzin returned to the Kings lineup after sitting out in favour of Alec Martinez in Game 2. ... Carter went to the dressing room for repairs after Keiths high stick. Sharp went to the dressing room late in the second period after a big hit from Brown, but he returned to the bench for the third period. ... Tom Cruise and Jim Belushi attended the game. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Liverpool Jersey . Its sharpness matched my mind. This was no night to go to sleep. Trent Alexander-Arnold Jersey http://www.liverpoolgear.us/Authentic-Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain-Liverpool-Jersey/ .C. United of Major League Soccer. United chose the defender in the second round of the 2013 MLS re-entry draft. James Milner Jersey . Goals from Jerome Boateng, Franck Ribery and Thomas Mueller extended Bayerns unbeaten run to a record 37 matches. "This record is incredible," Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said. Georginio Wijnaldum Liverpool Jersey . -- Jaye Marie Green shot a 4-under 68 on Thursday to increase her lead to five strokes after the second round of the LPGA Tours qualifying tournament. Katherine Grainger is the most decorated female British Olympian ever, having defied the odds with Vicky Thornley to win a double sculls silver she ranks as a greater achievement than topping the London 2012 podium.Rio de Janeiros picturesque Lagoa bore witness to a historic moment on Thursday as the 40-year-old secured a medal at a fifth successive Games.While unable to match the podium-topping performance with Anna Watkins four years ago, clinching silver alongside Thornley was no less remarkable after their turbulent journey to Brazil.Grainger only decided to return to the sport two years ago and they abandoned the double sculls project midway through the season, only to reform having failed to qualify for seats in the eight.That decision paid dividends as the oldest member of the rowing squad fought with Thornley for a thoroughly-deserved podium place.Kitty Godfree, nee McKane, a five-time tennis medallist in the 1920s, is the only female British athlete that matches her Olympic haul, but the Scot now has four silvers and a gold to her name. Godfree won a gold, two silvers and two bronzes.I dont think we could have done any more, Grainger told the BBC. I dont think anything could eclipse London because of everything that surrounded it.But I remember at the start of this campaign feeling that if I could come out with anything, a medal of any kind, it would probably be my greatest achievement. just because of where it started from.There were many, many dark days if I am honest were I couldnt see where this could happen.To be staanding here, finally, in the Rio sunshine with a big medal around our necks has made it all worthwhile.ddddddddddddGrainger and Thornleys selection in the double sculls was confirmed a month and a half ago, but the duo impressed in Rio and looked on course for gold as the final came to a close.Polands Natalia Madaj and Magdalena Fularczyk-Kozlowska ate up the 1.25-second advantage at the 1,500m mark to triumph, after which the latter described Grainger as a legend.The Scot has certainly left an indelible mark on a sport she plans stay involved with, although competing in Tokyo at the age of 44 is not on the cards.Its been minutes since my Olympic career has finished! I havent quite mapped out that, Grainger said, smiling, when asked what was next.I tell you what for the first time I a long time I dont set the alarm tomorrow morning and I wake up whenever I want and it will be a new dawn for a new start. I dont know what it will be.Thornley, too, is not thinking of the future right now having tasted Olympic success for the first time, four years on from finishing fifth in the womens eights at London 2012.It has changed my life, she said. This result means the world to me.I knew I was capable for a performance of Olympic medal standard and it hadnt quite come out yet. Its been difficult these last few years, not getting anything medal-wise.But I wouldnt change that because this is the one you want to do. ' ' '