Thread: Kings need to drive the net

The title says it all. Watching other (successful) teams right now, that is the biggest difference between them and the Kings.

The Kings (except Clifford) are playing way too much perimeter hockey. Last game, I noticed Kopitar throw it over to Brown on the left and then peel off instead of driving the center. Because of that, the defenseman went immediately to Brown and he didn't get a good shot. If Kopitar had driven the net, Brown's shot would have been a lot closer and Kopitar would have been there for the rebound.

1. Drive the net
2. When you're in the slot, take the shot

That is all.

They need to be hungry for a win. During our magical playoff run, every game they played... you saw desperation everywhere. The intensity completely amped up. It was their game to lose.

Obviously, there is no playoff intensity during the regular season and the Kings have reverted back to playing not to lose, as opposed to playing to win.

One thing I wanna say about the PP that drives me nuts. I've accepted the fact that they're the pass, pass, pass, hesitate, pass, hesitate, shoot kind of team... but at least change it up. Stop having the same guy shoot the puck over and over. It makes it so much easier for the defense and goalie because they see how predictable it is. The goalie will always be in position to make the save.

Originally Posted by PRMan!!

When you're in the slot, take the shot

That's what she said.

There was a play in this early season where Carter got a rush break in on the goalie during a powerplay. Instead of taking one stride towards an open slot for a forehand opportunity, he elected to take the puck wide and was forced into a weak backhand from a bad angle.

I know Carter is scoring, so this post is more of a point to examine the team mentality, rather than picking Carter out of the lineup. The play infuriated me.

I just want to see Brown actually hit someone. Even Kopi has been throwing hits every game.

Someone light a fire under his ass, please.

"When you're in the slot, take the shot" should be the Kings motto this year.

I actually feel really bad for hating on Kompon. Now its blatantly obvious he wasn't the problem on the pp.

Originally Posted by FishMonger

I just want to see Brown actually hit someone. Even Kopi has been throwing hits every game.

Someone light a fire under his ass, please.

this! Its sad to know he's only motivated when threatened with banishment. Bring back the trade rumors please.

All of the things we are talking about boil down to a few things. One of them is sacrifice, exp. somebody that will give himself up in front of the net for betterment of the team. Another is moving without the puck which comes down to effort. It is hard work to move without the puck, fighting for position and battling. It is easy to have the puck and move but it is easier to stand around and watch.

Last year during their run they did these little things more than any other team and that is why they were successful along with a little luck. I just hope the Kings players have the desire to compete again this season as they did last season. We all know that this is the toughest trophy to win in sports and it is a grind, yet this year not as much. I am a little bitter that this lockout took away from the celebration for the Kings and I want them to do it again.