The Fourth Interval: Dennis Bernstein when requested if the Los Angeles Kings could possibly be seeking to transfer a few of their depth of their backside six.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Pettersen: “Dennis, I wish to ask you about LA on the opposite aspect. 7-3-3, they’re doing okay with out Drew Doughty. Little little bit of discuss their backside six perhaps being too deep. However do you suppose any adjustments 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, folks had 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. Nicely, they performed adequate. 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 they’d received these two video games, you’re speaking about 9-2-3. You’re in all probability 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, acquired a giant hit, truly consider from (Jeremy) Lauzon, so he would possibly miss some video games.
However I don’t suppose they’re actually seeking to make strikes, as a result of, primary, they’re profitable. And I feel whereas they don’t have a basic 4C, Trevor Lewis, the long-time King has come again and we’ll play a thousandth sport this 12 months. He’s been adequate at 4C.
So, however while 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 purpose, had 31 final 12 months. 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 superb night time. And I credit score Hiller for one factor. Kemper didn’t have a superb sport in opposition to Chicago, and went proper again to him in opposition to a tricky group in Nashville, received that, received that sport.
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So at 7-3-3, they gotta adore it, and the truth that they performed so many extra highway video games. Keep in mind, folks don’t bear in mind, seven sport highway journey to start out the season. So 7-3-3, with a really closely ballanced highway schedule. They’ll take it. Robust activity in Minnesota, however 7-3-3, you may ask for any higher onsidering Drew isn’t within the lineup.
