NHL - latimes.com

Kings to try a new mix-and-match approach

Helene Elliott — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:09:00 PDT

Coach Darryl Sutter rearranges lines at practice in an effort to spark the offense for Game 5 of playoff series against San Jose on Thursday at Staples Center.

Anze Kopitar suspected something might be up. In two games at San Jose the Kings had scored two goals and lost twice to the Sharks, dropping into a 2-2 tie in the teams' Western Conference semifinal playoff series. The Kings perfected the art of playing taut, low-scoring games last spring but that scoring pace probably won't get them out of this round.

In Game 4, Kings find Sharks' Joe Thornton an unstoppable force

By Lisa Dillman — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

In previous playoff games last year and this year, the Kings had been able to halt the opposition's dominant player. Not so Tuesday night.

The one thing at which the Kings had been so skilled during their run to the Stanley Cup last year and this current postseason was not letting the opposition's best player beat them.

Penguins blowout Senators, 7-3

Associated Press — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Jarome Iginla and James Neal score twice as Pittsburgh takes a 3-1 series lead over Ottawa.

Jarome Iginla and James Neal each scored twice and the Pittsburgh Penguins routed the Ottawa Senators 7-3 on Wednesday night to take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series.

This spring, every step is harder for the Los Angeles Kings

Helene Elliott — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:17:00 PDT

The Kings went 16-4 in magical run to 2012 Stanley Cup. They've already lost four times in 10 playoff games this year. And road could get even bumpier from here out.

Kings get into hot water on Twitter during Sharks game

By Chris Foster — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 PDT

Kevin Ryder of KROQ's 'Kevin & Bean' morning show fills in as a guest on the Kings' Twitter account, with embarrassing results for the team.

The Kings' official Twitter account received a game misconduct penalty Tuesday … from the Kings' front office.

Kings sound alarm after Sharks get even

By Lisa Dillman — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:06:00 PDT

San Jose dominates early in 2-1 victory. Mike Richards scores the only goal for Kings, but he admits to being embarrassed.

Sharks jump Kings, 2-1, to even playoff series

By Lance Pugmire — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:46:00 PDT

Mike Richards nets the Kings' lone goal after San Jose grabs an early 2-0 lead. Sharks even series 2-2.

San Jose 2, Kings 1 (end of regulation)

Bruins take 3-0 lead over Rangers

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:41:00 PDT

Daniel Paille scores with 3:31 left to give Boston a 2-1 victory at New York.

NEW YORK— Daniel Paille broke a tie with 3 minutes 31 seconds left in the third period, and the Boston Bruins put the New York Rangers on the brink of elimination with a 2-1 victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series on Tuesday night.

Sharks hope they can finally live up Stanley Cup expectations

Helene Elliott — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:44:00 PDT

San Jose has had all the elements to be a champion for years but has yet to even reach the Stanley Cup final. The Sharks face a pivotal moment in Game 4 against the Kings on Tuesday.

Red Wings beat Blackhawks, 3-1, and grab the lead in Western Conference series

Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Detroit has a 2-1 edge on top-seeded Chicago after getting goals 31 seconds apart in second period from Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller.

DETROIT — The young Detroit Red Wings have made the mighty Chicago Blackhawks look vulnerable, beating them two straight times to gain an advantage in their last playoff matchup as Western Conference rivals.