The LA Kings are not treated well by the Devils at the Staples Center (1/09)
The Kings took a turn for the worse with a dreadful loss to the New Jersey Devils 5-1 at the Staples Center on January 10, 09. The defeat dropped the Kings under .500 and the prognosis doesn’t look good. They are falling further behind in the playoff race as the season is about half over. The offense has been struggling, as only Frolov, Kopitar and All Star Dustin Brown have been productive. Losing Michael Cammallari to Calgary was a big blow and the hopes of signing a veteran forward don’t look too promising. Goalie Jonathon Quick has been playing great but didn’t play too well in this one.
The Devils were led by Center Travis Zajac who had a goal and 2 assists, Patrick Elias who rifled a shot past Quick & Zach Parise who leads the team in goals and scored on a breakaway (help from Kyle Quincy letting him walk right on it). Kevin Weeks played strong in goal allowing only a goal to Derek Armstrong to get the win. Longtime veteran goaltender Martin Brodeur has been out with an injury. Rookie Coach Brent Sutter has the team playing well and looking forward to the playoffs. They also just signed 40 yr. old Brendan Shanahan. The Devils dominated throughout and scored on 3 power play goals (one in each period).
Coach Terry Murray has been shuffling lines and going with who has been hot in goal but the Kings just look shorthanded in depth and have been playing many youngsters. They hope to get defenseman Jack Johnson back soon. Tampa Bay visits on January 12th as LA hopes to rebound from the drubbing. More info/schedule and tickets at www.kings.nhl.com