The Fourth Period: Dennis Bernstein when requested if the Los Angeles Kings may very well be seeking to transfer a few of their depth of their backside six.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Pettersen: “Dennis, I need to ask you about LA on the opposite aspect. 7-3-3, they’re doing okay with out Drew Doughty. Little little bit of speak about their backside six perhaps being too deep. However do you assume any modifications are on the horizon proper now?
Bernstein: “And look, they’d signal for 7-3-3 with out Drew, as a result of when Drew went down in preseason in opposition to Vegas, individuals have been heading for the exits. This group goes to overlook the playoffs. They’re not any good. They don’t have any depth on the blue line. Properly, they performed ok. They haven’t been nice.
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And proceed this, Kate, they misplaced in San Jose and so they misplaced, they blew two-goal main in Chicago, at house and ended up dropping within the shootout. If that they had received these two video games, you’re speaking about 9-2-3. You’re most likely speaking about Jim Hill for the Jack Adams early on.
So yeah, the depth, right here’s the factor. Do they want extra offense? They do. However are they going to make strikes on the underside six? Not proper now. Now, sadly, in Nashville night time, Alex Turcotte, who can’t appear to get a break bodily, went out, bought an enormous hit, truly imagine from (Jeremy) Lauzon, so he may miss some video games.
However I don’t assume they’re actually seeking to make strikes, as a result of, primary, they’re profitable. And I believe whereas they don’t have a traditional 4C, Trevor Lewis, the long-time King has come again and we’ll play one thousandth recreation this yr. He’s been ok at 4C.
So, however whenever you see Kings win video games, they’re not going to be an overwhelming offense. Quinten Byfield. Hasn’t scored but. Trevor Moore has one aim, had 31 final yr. Phil Danault has two.
After they play like they did night time in Nashville, the place they management puck possession, the place they restrict their possibilities. And Darcy Kuemper had a great night time. And I credit score Hiller for one factor. Kemper didn’t have a great recreation in opposition to Chicago, and went proper again to him in opposition to a tricky group in Nashville, received that, received that recreation.
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So at 7-3-3, they gotta find it irresistible, and the truth that they performed so many extra street video games. Bear in mind, individuals don’t bear in mind, seven recreation street journey to start out the season. So 7-3-3, with a really closely ballanced street schedule. They’ll take it. Powerful activity in Minnesota, however 7-3-3, you may ask for any higher onsidering Drew isn’t within the lineup.