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Did the L.A. Kings lack desperation? ‘No’

Chicago Blackhawks v Los Angeles Kings - Game Four

of Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center on June 6, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

Harry How

Down a goal in the third period, and moving ever closer to the brink of elimination, the L.A. Kings needed offence. They got next to nothing.

The Kings fired all of two shots on goal in the third period of Thursday’s 3-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. A win for the Kings, and the Western Conference final would’ve shifted back to Chicago all tied at 2-2.

Instead, the Kings, defending Stanley Cup champions, now face elimination, down 3-1 in the series.

And, they only managed two shots in the final 20 minutes.

Asked after the loss if there was a lack of desperation from his team, head coach Darryl Sutter was succinct.

“No,” said Sutter.

Reporter, according to the transcript provided by the National Hockey League: “At all?”

“No,” reiterated Sutter.

Marian Hossa scored to give Chicago a 3-2 lead just 1:10 into the third period, and from there the Kings had no answer for a stingy defensive posture from the Blackhawks.

“Yeah, I think once they scored the quick goal after the penalty kill, 10 seconds after, I think we had to go for it a little
bit, we were stretched out,” added Sutter.

“That doesn’t work that well against them. So I think they did a good job of plugging it off, defending the lead.”