Special teams struggles cost the Los Angeles Kings (10-6-6) and head coach Jim Hiller another extra point in the standings in the West in the Pacific Division in the back end of back-to-back games against the Boston Bruins (13-10-0) on Nov. 21 at home. The Kings missed opportunities on the power play on special teams, including not scoring on a 5-on-3 in the middle of the game yesterday.
Trevor Moore helps to spark a third-period comeback for the Los Angeles Kings in a 2-1 overtime loss to Boston
It's not for a lacking effort in regulation when it matters in the third period that's causing the Kings to fall short by these narrow margins lately. The Kings just need to be putting the puck in the net more often in the offensive zone, especially on special teams.
Trevor Moore has come up big on special teams on the penalty kill for the Kings in the past two games, including registering the primary assist on Joel Armia's shorthanded goal yesterday vs. Boston. Kopitar also had a handful of scoring chances yesterday, but his point streak ended at two games against the Bruins at home.
Kopitar and Moore spoke to the media after falling to the Bruins in overtime and picking up one point in the standings for the second game in a row in the back end of the back-to-back games late this week.
Yesterday's loss to the Bruins was the third game in a row in this past week that the Kings have fallen to a team by just one goal on the scoreboard.
Here's a look at everything Kopitar and Moore said to the media postgame following the Kings' 2-1 overtime loss to the Bruins at home on Nov. 21.
Anze Kopitar
On his reaction to how the game went yesterday vs. Boston
"It’s almost playing against yourself, you know? We were just trying to exploit the weaknesses. I thought it was obviously a hard-fought game. They have a big, strong lineup and it was a physical game. We got the one point, but we’re not satisfied with that. We’ll try to get back on track on Monday."
On how the team fought back after being down by one goal late in the third period
"You’re down a goal, so you’re one play away from tying it up, so there’s certainly no need to panic. Just keep on going, keep on plugging away and eventually we got the tying goal."
On what the key is for the team to improve on special teams on the power play
"We’re getting chances. Last night, we got some good chances, tonight we got some good chances, so keep on battling, keep on going. Maybe try and simplify a little bit, try to get more stuff to the net and create off of that, and just work at it."
On if getting a spark goal scoring could open the flood gates offensively
"That’s what we’re looking for. We’ve got to get the first one and just go from there."
Trevor Moore
On how similar the two teams are in terms of their playing styles between the Kings and Bruins yesterday
"They're a hard team to play against. They got big guys. Similar, but they came out ahead in that tough game."
On the success of the penalty kill for the Kings recently
"I think taking less helps. Guys are fresh. They're jumping on their toes out there when we do take penalties."
On the impact Joel Armia has made on the penalty kill for the Kings
"He kind of the Swiss arm guy. He can play a lot of skill and also a lot of responsibility. So, he's been great for us."
On the struggles the team is having on the power play
"I'm not sure. I think we've had some good looks on our unit. We're more of a lucky get it to the net and just try to get some second chances. Got to think things even out, and we're going to start popping in."