Thus far, the Kings seem to be doing things backwards at times in 2021. After having several days off, they’ve come out flat more often than not. Conversely, in the second game of their two-game sets this season, they’ve had primarily impressive showings.
With a 4-2 win in Vegas over the host Golden Knights on Wednesday evening, LA has now pushed their record to 9-4-2 in said situations.
If they can figure out how to consistently put some more Ws together over the next month, the race for the West Division’s final playoff spot should be very interesting.
Following his team’s latest victory, coach Todd McLellan had this to say:
On if the remaining 22 games are a sprint to the post season
Yeah, with 30 left, it was. We’re there, right there with the rest of the pack. It’s a race to one position for a lot of teams. I’m not sure that anybody is going to catch Minnesota, Colorado, or Vegas the way they’re playing. It’s a race for one position and we’re there with a group of teams. Every night is important. It’s important for the evolution of our organization, but it’s also important pointwise for us to play well and put ourselves in a position to play after the regular season.
On the importance of depth scoring when the powerplay isn’t scoring
I think you just answered your own question. Absolutely.
On the play of Lias Andersson tonight
Lias did a really good job. He came to a new team, he played some games, he was in and out, he didn’t get to play a lot and we asked him to go to the minors just to get his game polished up and get some game action, he did that, he was very patient. Every day he showed up at the rink and I don’t know how many times he walked by me and said, ‘I’m ready,’ and he was. When his number was called, he was ready. Good for him. That line had a bit of a spark, which was good for our team tonight. They were short of player and then Chandler [Stephenson] took the major they were short two. Having a fourth line that could give us some minutes was valuable.
On if the win tonight meant something extra after how the previous few games have gone
Yes. It’s tough to win here. One of the toughest arenas to win in in the National Hockey League. We’ll put the win in the bank. It helps us climb in the standings; it gives us two points that I don’t think a lot of teams are gonna get out of this building, that certainly helps. We’re happy with the win. We’ll get some rest and continue to play because the games are coming fast.
On if there’s any explanation for the team’s success in the second game of two-game sets this season
The urgency, the fact that we can make some adjustments and fix some things from the night before, leadership. Conditioning, that’s an important part. We have a well conditioned team, I believe. Those are all factors that go into that second game.
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Anyone know Bjorfot’s status. He took a totally unnecessary hit on the boards.
See here https://twitter.com/mayorNHL/status/1377659899463659522