Weak Power Play costing Los Angeles Kings against Phoenix Coyotes -NHL Playoffs Update
Los Angeles Kings have emerged as one of the best teams in the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Playoffs as they have lost just two matchups so far, now in the Western Conference Finals against Phoenix Coyotes.
After three straight dominating victories over Phoenix, Kings were expected to take out Coyotes in Game 4, just like they did with second seeded St. Louis Blues. Surprisingly, Phoenix bounced back and lived to see another day, but it just was not out of
the blue. Coyotes worked hard and took advantage of one very big loop hole in the Kings game play.
Los Angeles Kings failed to take advantage of any single power play opportunity in Game 4 and looking at how many there were, Phoenix was lucky to shut them out, 2-0.
Phoenix killed six penalties of their own and took advantage of one of three added man advantages, pushing Los Angeles Kings to 6 for 70 penalties throughout the postseason so far. It just goes to show that Phoenix has found a way to bounce back and if Los
Angeles Kings continue the way they are, Coyotes just might be able to take it to the final match.
"We need to make sure we're getting pucks off our stick quicker once we make that pass, because if you take your time it gives them more room to close the lane down and get in the shot lane," Kings’ Drew Doughty said. "So we need to take more one-timers
and find a way to get past them to the net."
"I think we need to shoot more -- just get it to the top," captain Dustin Brown said. "We need more guys at the net. I think we're kind of perimeter right now. We just need to throw the puck to the net and have a collapsing attitude towards the net and around
the net."
Mike Smith is facing 30 plus each night and his willpower just does not die down, which is one of the main reasons for them winning. If Phoenix Coyotes can keep the Game 4 momentum running, Kings just might be in for a ride.
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