Kings expect same level of intensity

What will Game 2 bring? Since Game 1 ended, both coaches have been talking about the need for discipline, so a big part of the game will be which team plays with aggression, but with smart aggression. The Vancouver Canucks came out hitting in Game 1 — as Drew Doughty learned, when he got leveled less than 30 seconds into the first period — but the Canucks also took a major boarding penalty and two charging penalties. The Canucks figure to be smarter about the penalties this time, but the Kings aren’t expecting them to play any less of an intense game.

DOUGHTY: “We’re expecting the same kind of thing. From the first shift, I’ll have my head up and not get rocked again, but it’s part of the game. Even though they had that big push on the first shift, we came back strong.’’

When asked about areas in which the Kings need to improve from Game 1, Dustin Penner also referenced the penalties. The Kings scored two power-play goals in just over 12 minutes of time with the man advantage. Penner said he doesn’t expect the game to play out the same way this time.

PENNER: “I don’t think they will end up in the box as much as they did in the first game, but capitalizing on our power-play opportunities. Any time you get two 5-on-3s in a playoff game, you’ve got to score on both. And we have to stay out of the box ourselves.’’

Finally, Darryl Sutter talked about the need for improved even-strength play. In Game 1, the Kings scored one even-strength goal and one empty-net goal, in addition to their two power-play goals, while the Canucks scored two even-strength goals.

SUTTER: “I think you’ve got to finish. They don’t give up many opportunities 5-on-5. That’s why they’re a good hockey club. You’ve got to finish your opportunities. You’re not going to get many. Last game, when you look at it, there was 38 minutes of 5-on-5 hockey. We want to play more 5-on-5 hockey. There was a major penalty that they had to call, and two pucks over glass. All together, that’s nine whole minutes that officials have to call. So, when you take it back down from there, if we take any more than that, we’re going to be in trouble and if they take any more than that, they’re going to be in trouble. I think both teams are wanting more 5-on-5 play, so you’ve got to take advantage of the opportunities if you do get them.’’