Misery recognizes company.
The
This is also about the
It is also a roundabout way of saying a third-period collapse in Game 2 is not expected to have lingering effects on the Blackhawks, the reigning
They see a similarly experienced team, a group adept at handling setbacks. Even if the Kings did score six unanswered goals after trailing, 2-0, including five in the third period at Chicago.
"We have no doubt that this game even affected them," Kings defenseman
"They know what they have to do to play well against us. We haven't shown them all our stuff yet, but we know they're not going to shy away. They're a great team and they've proven that."
Said Kings captain
"In the San Jose series, you could feel the momentum building from game to game."
Once the Kings got it going in the series against the
Kings goalie
The Blackhawks lost their first game at home in this postseason after seven wins and goalie
Kings Coach
"No, both goalies are back-to-back Stanley Cup winners," he said. They're not going to struggle with one second, one shift of that. Both of them are guaranteed prepared to play all night to win a hockey game."
All those weeks ago, the Kings were answering questions about their ability to win on the road in the playoffs. Then they won Game 5 and Game 7, both at San Jose, and took Game 7 at Anaheim. They are merely 3-3 at Staples Center.
"We're comfortable on the road," Brown said. "And I think if you're not comfortable on the road, you're probably not playing this time of the year. Most teams have to find a way to win on the road....
We haven't been very good at home and that's the challenge for us, to have that focus at home."
Forwards
"It's kind of different when you get blown out in the third period like that compared to a close game you make maybe a little mistake," Crawford said. "That just wasn't our team. Because of that I don't think there's too much worry about it."
Sutter speak
The bigger stage of the conference finals has brought questions for the Kings about Sutter's occasional mysterious ways of communication. Kings defenseman
"He's a little bit coy with you guys," Mitchell said. "That's interesting. We all laugh in the [dressing] room after because obviously his pressers are after the game and we're back in the room. We'll turn it on and have a good laugh. The old Darryl-isms are pretty good."
Mitchell was asked whether he could tell when Sutter is angry.
"Of course. More, the question should be: 'Can I tell when he is happy?'" said Mitchell, laughing.
Executive decision
Kings General Manager
Voting was conducted among all general managers and a panel of NHL executives and reporters. The winner is to be named at the June 24 NHL Awards in Las Vegas.
Staff writer Lance Pugmire contributed to this report.