I don't think the reason we lost this game was because of anything technical, like rookie dmen getting exposed or whatever.
It was simple matter of one team coming out and playing with more energy/buzz than the other team. There's been so many games this season where the Kings have come out flat and lethargic at home. This was one of those games.
Yep there were plenty of 'mistakes' to harp on all around but ultimately it all came down to the central issue of effort/physicality. One team showed up with a chip on their shoulders, the other showed up already thinking past this game to Edmonton, and they got fed their lunches all night. I'm glad Seattle didn't let up and just made everyone miserable all night, I admired it. They were running everyone and using that to fuel plays. Hope the Kings watch the game tape from the SEATTLE standpoint and take it to heart.
What's the record on home Monday night games this year? Off the top of my head, I feel like they've lost to Edmonton/Boston/Seattle the last three in a row with the latter two being a combined score of 13-1. Maybe it is worse because I'm trying not to drink during the week and both the Boston game and last night were dry runs.
The physicality thing is a huge issue. Sure, me and the other knuckle-draggers on the board might bring it up more often because we simply like the physical side of hockey but this isn't a "I want to see some fights" complaint but rather a "This team will get absolutely steamrolled by most teams in a playoff series". Can you imagine these guys trying to survive the first 10 minutes of Game 1 at Minnesota? Teams are constantly crowding the goalie and show zero respect for this team. Seattle just took it to them last night.
100% agree, and well said. What you saw last night was a
last place team that had ZERO respect for the opponent because they knew they could get away with EVERYTHING. Oh no, Durzi is going to hold me accountable? Piss off, I'm going to run your goalie and all your sub-6 skaters and you can't stop me.
Imagine 7 games of that, lolllll.
On the bright side it will show some of the youth how much they need to hit the gym. It's not their fault, of course, but there are some BIG lessons to take out of a game like that for 'skilled' skaters, cough Byfield et al.
well for one - Brett Kulak who was acquired by Edmonton for a 2nd. He would have given them much needed depth on the left side and some desperately needed toughness. They don't need a complete difference maker but they do need someone who can step in NOW and eat major minutes on defense.
Kulak f***ing sucks and that would have been a dopey move. For a SECOND? jesus christ.
But you're right that would have fit this org's MO of half-in, half-out. Glad they didn't do it.