Kings’ penalty killing goes from strength to weakness vs. Flames

How do you fall from third to 11th overall in the league in penalty killing in one day?

Quite simple, actually. The Kings gave up three power-play goals to the Calgary Flames in Monday’s 3-2 loss. They lost for just the second time in the last seven games.

Kings center Mike Richards thought one of the issues might have been overworking on the penalty kill. The team had killed off 14 straight penalties before Monday night.

“Sometimes being simple is the best method,” he said. “Just staying in the middle, taking care of the inside. And forcing them to score goals, contest the shots on the outside.

“It’s dumb to say, but maybe you’re working too hard, trying too hard on ‘em … where you have to simplify and think about positioning before, sometimes, work ethic.”

Having said that, the Kings were less than 30 seconds from getting at least a point. The Flames kept hanging around, waiting for their opportunity and defenseman TJ Brodie scored with 29.7 seconds left in regulation, on the power play.

“We had some looks. We hit a couple of posts. They were opportunistic on their chances,” Richards said. “But they hung around. They played a solid, easy, boring road game, scored on the power play and were able to stay out of the penalty box.”

ALSO:

Kings get burned by Flames in final minute of 3-2 loss

Ducks, former coach Randy Carlyle renew acquaintances tonight

NHL sends message on hits to head, but when will players get it?