GLENDALE, Ariz – The Los Angeles Kings enter tonight’s game two with the early lead in their series with the Phoenix Coyotes. The Kings are coming off a 4-2 win over Phoenix Sunday in a game where for the first time in the post season their goalie, Jonathan Quick, did not have to be the best player on the ice.
LA Head coach Darryl Sutter was asked Monday how he thought he could improve on the impressive effort in game one.
“You know what, we had a lot of opportunities in the first period last night. I know that Dave and his staff are saying that they didn’t, probably didn’t play very well. We sure as hell better be ready again for that tomorrow (Tuesday night),” Sutter said. “It’s not about anything last night (Sunday). Just knowing full well what they’re — I know the leadership group, I know what they’re expecting out of themselves for tomorrow (Tuesday).”
Sutter managed his matchups well in game one on the ice despite Phoenix having the home advantage.
“We’re the visiting team. They get the matchups they want. It’s very difficult in the NHL the way it is now, the way it’s officiated, the way your time-outs are to change on the fly. It’s very, very difficult,” Sutter said. “When you’re not a home-ice team, you don’t always get the matchups you want. That’s why you need balance on your team, right? Phoenix is the same as us. See what the series is, see how guys are playing. That’s how you do it. You do it shift by shift, period by period. If you’re lucky enough to get a faceoff, you can change. That’s a big change in the game. Very few teams change on the fly. The teams that chase matchups end up chasing the puck.”
Sutter was also pleased with the effort of his Kings after the long lay-ff from sweeping the Blues in round two.
“I think they’re in a good frame of mind. That’s what you’re most concerned about. That’s always a balance. You can practice all you want, but it becomes a mental issue, right? So it’s about their individual preparation, about guys taking charge of that,” Sutter said.
To make it to third round of the Stanley Cup playoffs take discipline and mental toughness. Sutter has instilled both in his club and they enter game two tonight with the advantage having stolen home ice from the Coyotes Sunday night.
Will Phoenix have the mental toughness to overcome a rare series deficit?
Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com
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