The Kings need Kopitar back in playoff shape - Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The defending Stanley Cup Champs come to town.
Kings (0-2-0, last place) @ Oilers (1-1-0, second place)
7:30 p.m. MST | TSN
Rexall Place
Tickets
The opposing view: Jewels From The Crown, McSorley's Stick, Battle of California
Top Story: The Kings can't get on track and the Oilers just suffered a thumping by a grown-up team. The Kings' performance has nothing to do with a Stanley Cup hangover (see below), so with Anze Kopitar returning to full health, they should start to roll again, even without Matt Greene. The Oilers ran into a legitmately talented team and folded hard in the first period. Much of the responsibility rests with Ralph Krueger as his line-matching was not up to snuff and his penalty killers were disjointed and scattered.
Which team gets back on track first?
The Oilers are saying:
"Everyone was too focused on the puck, myself included. It's not acceptable and it won't happen again."
--Ladislav Smid on the team's effort against the Sharks
The Opponent is saying:
"We've had plenty of time to talk about it. It's January already, so I think everybody has stopped talking about it regardless"
--Anze Kopitar, on a Stanley Cup hangover
Key matchup: Until he proves he can coach with the big boys, the key matchup for the Oilers is going to be Ralph Krueger versus the opponent's head coach.


There are 21 Comments. Load Now.
Shortcuts to mastering the comment thread. Use wisely.
C - Next Comment
X - Mark as Read
R - Reply
Z - Mark Read & Next
Shift + C - Previous
Shift + A - Mark All Read
Comment Settings
Live comment alert: Hide it!
Comments for this post are closed.