Game 14: Kings vs New York Rangers 4:1

Puck pressure and timely scoring avert Kings losing streak

The very definition of puck pressure
(photo courtesy of www.gettyimages.com)

LA goals from: Brent Sopel (2), Sean Avery
NYR goal from: Shanahan

The pros: Perhaps it was the looming Haloween moon but the lucky bounces (see first Sopel goal deflected by a Ranger in front of goalie Lundqvist) and puck pressure came together on the same night for the Kings:

"We got the breaks, and the bounces went in tonight," said Los Angeles' Craig Conroy, who had two assists. "That's something we hadn't experienced this season. I think it came down to the little things. We talked about winning faceoffs and finishing checks. All of the little things added up for us in a positive way. Hopefully, we can turn this thing around."

Another solid outing by Mathieu Garon in goal (kept Shanny from scoring on 2-of-3 scoring chances, as far as I remember). It was also great to see the Kings not lose focus and bounce right back with the Avery goal.

The cons: There was no reason to let go in the third period (only four SoG). It remains a mystery beyond "War and Peace" how to get Mr. Frolov to go to war more often like he did last night. Does Lombardi need to lose another bet? ;)