Dud: Brandt Clarke, D
Yesterday was a gritty and a really physical game on the blue line on defense for the Kings and interim head coach DJ Smith yesterday on the ice in the Pacific Division vs. the division rival Edmonton.
I still don't understand why the Kings aren't giving more ice time on the blue line on defense to Clarke this regular season in the West down the stretch in this past couple of months. Three other Kings' defensemen on the blue line, including veteran Drew Doughty, Mikey Anderson, and Joel Edmundson, all got more playing time defensively yesterday than Clarke.
I thought the team and game-high seven blocked shots from Clarke on the blue line on defense yesterday for the Kings was enough for him to earn more playing time in the final frame in the third period in clutch time in the Pacific Division.
The Kings needed more consistent shots from the blue line and more opportunities in the zone defensively yesterday. McDavid was shut down defensively for the Oilers yesterday, which helped the Kings play more as a complete team this weekend on Saturday.