This team was lucky in game 2. I think Edmonton came into that game a little bit too confident. That and an early goal had the Kings feeling good and playing pretty well in the 1st period. They were able to get the forecheck going which helped them slow down the Oilers. The Oilers came back and kind of took control of the game in the 2nd period and tied the score. A lucky bounce and a great shot by Kopitar won it in overtime.
I know this is not rocket science, but for the Kings to have any chance of winning another game they will need:
- Strong consistent forecheck. Without this, the Kings have zero chance.
- Shoot the freaking puck, put the darn thing on net when you have the chance.
- Score some freaking PP goals
- Kill some freaking penalties
- Get better than average goaltending.
Problem is, the Oilers have been a good defensive team this year and getting a solid forecheck going and maintaining it is going to be a big ask for this Kings team. Without that, Against the Oilers the Kings have no strong PK to save them, no PP goals to rely on. The goaltending has been bad in 2 of 3 games and "okay" in the 3rd.
Many teams have been getting better and better at beating the 1-3-1 this year. We have all seen that. If the Kings do not get their forecheck going it is often hard to get the 1-3-1 setup anyway.
That's my take on things anyway.