(MCT) — CHICAGO — If the Los Angeles Kings had been as consistently effective Sunday as Coach Darryl Sutter was in summing up his team’s 3-2 loss to the league-leading Chicago Blackhawks, the defending Stanley Cup champions might not be lurching into the second quarter of this abbreviated season with a losing record.

Floored by the Blackhawks’ insistent start at the United Center, the Kings (5-6-2) didn’t awaken until the third period. Two power-play goals by Mike Richards made it close but they couldn’t catch up, even with a late power play and goaltender Jonathan Quick pulled in favor of an extra skater.