NHL, Team News / Analysis, Los Angeles Kings
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Kings made history when they defeated the St. Louis Blues. The Kings became the first No.8- seed to ever beat a No.1 and No. 2-seed. They first defeated the No. 1- seed Vancouver Canucks, and beat them in five. Then they swept the Blues, finishing the series in Los Angeles.
So now the Kings get to have some needed rest before heading to the Western Conference Finals. The Kings captain Dustin Brown had something interesting to say about the rest period:
"You get to this point in the year and physically you can find a way to get yourself going, but mentally you're in a high-stress, high-pressure situation day in and day out. Just to have the day to not really think about hockey or about the type of pressure that comes from being in the playoffs, it's nice just to get away from the game for a day or two and let your mind reset."
Happily, the Kings will have until at least Wednesday to rest because they need the Eastern Conference to catch up to the West. This gives the team the rest, both physically and mentally, that they need. Hopefully though, it won't take away from their intensity, but rather recharge the batteries.
Their next opponent will be the Phoenix Coyotes which will be good for the Kings as well. This means the Kings don't have to worry about travelling long distances in between games.
The Kings swapped coaches mid-season and struggled early on. It's nice to see them playing so strong in the playoffs.
5/8/12 | natsaar | 120 respect
I thought about that very same thing. I think they'll be okay coming off the break though.
5/8/12 |
JrCanuckFan
|
10128 respect
I only hope the rest doesn't make them lose their edge. Granted, the Coyotes get to rest as well, but we've seen it before, the team gets a few days off and when they get back to playing, they just don't seem to have the same level of play, concentration or drive. For Becky's sake, (and all of us bandwaggoners who don't have a dog in the fight) I hope the time off works in their favor.
5/8/12 | Wards_Page | 171 respect
Good to see some hockey writing on here. The Kings are a hell of a story. Between them, the Lakers, and the Dodgers, LA's got a lot to crow about these days. Just keep yer filthy mitts off my Vikings.