After taking the first two games in Anaheim, the Kings returned home for Games 3 and 4 and now find themselves tied 2-2 in their second round match-up vs. the Ducks. Prior to Saturday night, Kings center Anze Kopitar had recorded at least one point in every playoff game this season and was looking to challenge Wayne Gretzky’s team record set in 1993. However, Kopitar and his teammates failed to produce any offense and were shutout by rookie goaltender John Gibson.
After the game, a rather dejected Kopitar shared the following thoughts…
On the Kings lack of scoring:
“We certainly have to do more in the offensive zone. I thought we had a pretty good start, and then we couldn’t really generate anything on that first power play. That kind of set us back, and then they scored the two goals. Then in the second and third, we were in their zone but we just have to make it tougher on them.”
On if the Ducks played differently:
“The games are tight, so they didn’t change much and we didn’t expect them to.”
On if he was surprised Jonathan Quick was pulled:
“No, I think Darryl was just trying to get some energy. It was one of those moves.”
On dominating the second period:
“It doesn’t help us at the end of the night. We’re going to have to score goals.”
Question TBD
“Yeah, there was some passes that didn’t hit the tape.”
On what the team needs to do to generate more shots:
“Nothing new. Create traffic and make it hard on their goalie. First of all, miss their blockers, because they’re pretty good at blocking shots. We have to find lanes to get it there and try to score on second and third opportunities.”
On if their success on the road gives them confidence:
“Yeah, it’s tied 2-2 and we’re going in their rink where we’ve had some success. We know what it takes and we’re going to be ready to do it on Monday.”