Comments from Kings defenseman Drew Doughty following the team’s morning skate at the Honda Center, in advance of Game 5 vs. the Anaheim Ducks…
Always tough to win on the road but having won twice already in this series in Anaheim give you added confidence coming into Game 5?
“Confident every game. Past is the past. We know win can win in this building (Honda Center). It’s not going to be easy but we are confident we can do it.”
You shut them down for the final 40 minutes limiting them to three shots in the final 40 minutes and zero in the second period. What did the Kings do so well after the first period?
“I think we just played desperate. We wanted to have the puck all the time. We played well defensively. We played well in all situations. Our forecheck was good. Our neutral zone play was good and our breakouts were good. When you are doing all three of those well you are going to have the puck. Obviously the first period is what hurt us and we need to have a better start tonight.”
Bruce Boudreau has told his team, be ready for the Kings best game tonight. Is it fair to say, the team has yet to show its best so far in the series?
“I think we are expecting our best game tonight. We haven’t shown them our best yet. We’ve had little spurts here and there but we just haven’t played a complete 60 minute game yet. That’s our entire focus tonight. We need everyone to step up to the plate. It’s gut check time. We’re not up 2-0 anymore. It’s a new series.”
You mentioned how everyone has to step up their game tonight. Will anybody, players or coaches need to say something or with all the experience this team has is it a matter of just going out and doing it?
“There is a lot said before the game. Whether it’s the coaches or some of the players. We have a lot to say. Well it’s the leaders calling out someone to play better, that’s what we need to do. Everyone is just ready and focused to play. Having the day off on Sunday, gave us a chance to rest and reset.”
Will you be one of the guys speaking up before the game?
“Of course. I have to be one of the leaders on this team. I have been for a little bit now. I’m still young but I have been here a while now. I’ve been in a lot of situations like these and I definitely need to step up to the plate and have my best game tonight.”
Suggested line changes for the Kings were posted here earlier today.
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Will DD be calling himself out for game 5? He has been a lackluster #1 defenseman, especially these last two games. How about a one-timer every now and then on the PP Drew?