Murray’s System Is Calling All the Shots

Like so many preseason trends, the large margin in shot differential could have been a fluke for the Kings, who were without five injured players in exhibition play but managed to outshoot opponents, 289-174. It was by far the largest difference in the NHL.

But the Kings have continued the trend in the regular season and have been outshot in only five of their 14 games. They are averaging 30.2 shots and holding opponents to 24.6 shots.

And these are the games that count.

“It’s our structure and guys are buying into it,” Coach Andy Murray said. “It’s a credit to the depth of the organization that our players are taught no matter where they’re playing how we want to play. It doesn’t matter who we have in our lineup because of injuries, our guys are familiar.”

The Kings took seven of a possible eight points on their recent trip, maintaining the edge in shots in three of four games.

“Our goal on the defensive end is to give up less shots,” defenseman Tim Gleason said. “We have a lot of guys back there contributing, blocking shots and doing stuff that leads to opportunities at the other end. We’re lucky enough to get a lot of shots, and lately a bunch of goals.”

-- Mike Bresnahan