For the first time in the Darryl Sutter era, the Kings lost a game in regulation on Saturday. It probably wasn’t that surprising, for the last few seasons the Kings have rarely shown up for afternoon games.
For the third game in a row LA failed to score more than one goal – and, in fact, didn’t have any goals. It was the second time they’ve been shut out in their last five games and fifth time this season. The chances were there for the Kings, who out shot the Blue Jackets 31-18 and spent more than ten minutes on the power play – against the NHL’s 29th ranked penalty kill.
Dustin Brown finished the game with six hits and Anze Kopitar was credited with six shots on goal, both were high water marks among the LA players. Afterwards, they spoke about what went down…
Brown on the Kings’ power plays (which included a 5-on-3 and a 6-on-4) – “We have to find a way to score goals. That has kind of been the problem for us all year. If I had the answer, we wouldn’t be talking about it. We have to figure out a way to get a goal. You can look at that last power play – we had a four-minute power play to start the period and other opportunities. Our PK has been doing a good job and our 5-on-5. If we score a goal on the power play, it’s a different game.”
Brown on new strategies for the ailing power play – “We’re working on it. But, it doesn’t really make a difference. We have to find ways to score goals. He [Jackets goalie Curtis Sanford] made some pretty good saves on the power play. But bottom line is you just have to find a way to score goals on power plays.”
Kopitar on coach Sutter – “At some point he is not going to be all positive, as we all know. It is what it is. He’s definitely come in and made us better players and a better team. Now we have to respond and start putting some wins together again.”
Kopitar on Jonathan Quick – “We don’t talk about him enough. He has given us chances every single game and that’s all you could ask for from your goaltender. At home, if he gives up one we should be able to win the game and obviously score more than one goal, especially at home. It shouldn’t be a problem, but it is a problem right now so we have to fix it.”
More notes and quotes to come.
The Mayor
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