In a defensive battle on the ice yesterday (March 10) and on the scoreboard for new interim head coach DJ Smith and his team, the Los Angeles Kings (26-23-15) fell in the extra frame in overtime by a score of 2-1 vs. the Boston Bruins (36-22-6) on the road early this week. The Kings put together a great effort defensively on the blue line in the zone yesterday, but it only yielded the team one point in the standings in the West in the Pacific Division this regular season.
Bruins top DJ Smith and the Los Angeles Kings in overtime in a defensive battle on Tuesday evening in Boston
Smith and the Kings held the Bruins and David Pastrnak to zero goals on the scoreboard in yesterday's game until the final frame in the third period on the ice. The Kings pushed back and tied the game up on the scoreboard late in the final frame in the third period, on a clutch goal from defenseman Drew Doughty, when LA fell behind late in the game.
The Kings are still in the mix for the postseason this upcoming spring in the playoffs this regular season in the West in the Pacific Division.
Smith gave his takeaways and thoughts to the media yesterday after the 2-1 overtime loss to the Bruins on the road in Boston.
The Kings and Smith are back in action in the East on this long five-game road trip in the Eastern Conference this upcoming week on Friday (March 13) vs. the New York Islanders.
Here's a look at everything Smith said to the media postgame following the Kings' hard-fought 2-1 overtime loss to the Bruins on the road in Boston on March 10 in the back end of back-to-back games.
DJ Smith
On how competitive and physical the game was for the Kings vs. Boston
"I think every time you come to Boston, it feels like this. Certainly the team that they have, that plays as hard as they do and bangs bodies, they can push you out of a game and they didn’t do that. I thought it was a really even game all the way around."
On how physical he thought his team was yesterday vs. Boston
"Three games in four nights, coming from California with the time change to be right there, lose in overtime, we wanted the two points clearly, but essentially, it’s a tie. The way we came back and hung with it, I think it’s a lot of character from the guys."
On how the Kings played on special teams on the penalty kill
"I think Scott Laughton really helps that up front, allows other guys to play more minutes maybe 5-on-5. We made some adjustments over the break, maybe a little less pressure, but pressure at different times, but it looks like it’s picking up confidence."
On the impact Scott Laughton had on the Kings
"He’s a hockey player. He’s been around a long time. He understands how to play winning hockey and he can do the little things to help you. I think he’s fit in really nice."
On how the Kings can keep the momentum going heading into New York later this upcoming week
"We’re just scratching and clawing to get every point we can, win, loss whatever. We wanted two, we got one, we got three out of four on the road. We’ve got to keep it going. We’ve got two big games. Back-to-back in New York and we’ve got to find a way to win them."