Sutter: Kings, Coyotes `pretty familiar’

Darryl Sutter will be making his third trip to the Western Conference Finals as an NHL head coach. In 1995, Sutter coached the Chicago Blackhawks in a five-game loss to the Detroit Red Wings. In 2004, Sutter coached the Calgary Flames to a six-game victory over the San Jose Sharks. Today, Sutter shared his initial thoughts about facing the Phoenix Coyotes, and whether he and the coaching staff immediately started doing video work…

SUTTER: “They’ve played two series and we’ve played two series, so you can do a lot of breaking down as you go along, of all your opponents, not just for playoffs for future use.”

Question: These teams haven’t played each other since mid-February. Have both teams changed a lot since then?

SUTTER: “(Antoine) Vermette has been a really good addition for their team. Other than that, we’re pretty familiar with their group.”

Question: Today, a number of the players were talking about the Coyotes’ team speed. Is that something for you to keep an eye on?

SUTTER: “They’re a really fast team, and it’s right through their lineup. It’s not like it’s top end and then there’s a drop-off. It’s right through their lineup. Obviously they have two really top-end defensemen that make an impact on that, in Yandle and Ekman-Larsson. So it’s not like, on a lot of teams there’s a top end and a bottom end. I don’t think, with their team, that that is there. I think it’s a quick team, right through their lineup. There are probably similarities, in that, with ours also.”

Question: You talked, after the St. Louis series, about not having too much of a break between series. Were you glad to see Phoenix win last night, just to sort of have both teams on a similar schedule?

SUTTER: “No. It’s always better to see them play more games. I think we’ve discussed that enough, as far as home teams, visiting teams. If you look at our last series, I think we had six days (to prepare) and St. Louis had seven. I said, (as to) who would benefit, that I would tell you after Game 1, then after Game 2, then after the series was over. Injuries play so much into it, as you go along. How you manage your injuries, how you manage your days off, as individuals and as a team, and how you manage your rest is a big factor in the playoffs. So, it’s like (asking) about the first thing you did. Well, the first thing we (looked at) is, your travel is less, which is better for everybody.”

108 Comments

  1. DesertKing says:

    Our physical play will crush their speed play. Its not like we are a slow team anymore either.

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    taking the body early will be very important for us…

    but like you’ve preached continuously since the playoffs began, our pp has to produce…

    whoever will take advantage of the others mistakes will prevail…

    [Reply]

    Gary Reply:

    @variable, Kings need to continue to keep the pressure on them, good passes, forecheck.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    Don’t think there will be much crushing in this series.
    Might seriously wear them down, though…

    [Reply]

    Weasel Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

    It just has to get into their heads. StL tried to play our game in g#3 and twice they took huge runs and missed one on Kopitar and one on Williams, both times the Kings’ player sidestepped to run and went in for an outmanned attack – we scored as a result of Kopi’s.

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Weasel, The one that Im thinking of that Kopi sidestepped Polak’s flying elbow created a TO that went the other way for one of stewart’s goals…

    PRMan Reply:

    @Weasel, The miss on Williams resulted in a goal as well.

    Pili Reply:

    @DesertKing, I agree. Good call. The KIngs are very physical and pretty darn fast. These guys are a handful.

    [Reply]

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @DesertKing,
    The slower the pace, the more physical. That is just how it is. Phoenix had trouble with the Kings when the Kings pushed the tempo, but in the last game we played them (right from the drop of the puck), they initiated the physical play, and the Kings got shutout.

    [Reply]

  2. Louis Zypher says:

    OT: Just wanted to share this read, pretty intense. Most of us know about what happened to Malarchuk 23 years ago…but had no idea he put a gun to his head in 2008. http://www.sportsnet.ca/magazine/2012/05/03/clint_malarchuk_the_survivor_dan_robson/

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Louis Zypher,

    I saw that yesterday! The guy was a wreck!! Everyday above gound is a good day for him.

    [Reply]

    Deke'r Reply:

    @Kissmyblarneystones, …think that would apply to most folks…I know it does for me….maybe not Charlie Manson…

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Deke’r, Hmmm, interesting comparison.
    Now what do you see in this indiscriminate, inky image I have here, mmm?

    variable Reply:

    @Louis Zypher,

    it’s a remarkable story…

    i just hope he continues to heal and live well…

    thank you for posting the link…

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Louis Zypher,
    Great article so far! Halfway through but riveting reading!
    Cheers, Lou Z’..

    [Reply]

    Dave's a Killer Reply:

    @Louis Zypher,

    I’m a little late here but Malarchek is alive and well here in Northern NV. His wife Joan teaches power skating up here and he is a horse “Dentist” when not working as a goalie coach I remember him asking the trainer “Am I going to die?”. What a horrific, life-changing incident.

    [Reply]

  3. LA_1968 says:

    How key will a good start be in game one? Pretty huge. I’m glad the team has become experts in that department.

    [Reply]

  4. vegas13 says:

    No matter what happens, it will be interesting and tough to watch at the same time. However, I am comforted by having Sutter as coach. Anyone else at the helm and I’d be a complete nervous wreck.

    Win or lose, this will be their toughest opponent of these playoffs.

    [Reply]

    Deke'r Reply:

    @vegas13, …think Rangers will be a little tougher…

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Deke’r, cant agree with you. NYR is pretty baged up. Lundquist is nowhere near JQ or Smith right now

    [Reply]

  5. King Charles of Salt Lake says:

    Best thing is that both team don’t have to travel. How nice it will be for all envolved 1 hour flight. Both teams will use the rest wisely and both teams are well coached. The feeling is that this series will come down to the goaltending, but I seem to differ. Experience matters!!! Players like Richards are so important to the overall make up of a team. Yotes have their guys also, so this is going to be tough. We are in the final four and all the teams are worthy of being there. It takes much hard work to get to this point. Thing is, as far as fan support goes Yotes have been playing to 5000 fans a game for a long time now, maybe they will freak out seeing all the BLACK in the Arena. If the are going to have a white out, then it will be peppered with Black. Tickets are cheap in PHX. My problem is that how can I get there and will where I stay. Hitchhikeing and homeless shelters don’t sound to bad, does it?

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @King Charles of Salt Lake, 12 hour drive = too far man. Plus 4 tanks of gas total both ways. Maybe see if there are any cheap flights? Don’t spend night if there’s a flight back late? I got the pregame tab for you and Dunanz if you can make it.

    [Reply]

    Pili Reply:

    @LA_1968, Do you have Allegiant Airlines? They have decent rates there. Maybe I can meet you there lol.

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Pili, that airline charges you for EVERYTHING!!! 5$ to breathe the air inside their planes…10$ per shoe that you take into their planes, yes I mean the ones that will currently be on your feet… don t be fooled by the inexpensive fare, just sayin

    Duncanz Reply:

    @LA_1968,
    Ha haaa! Gee ’68, my generally Charlesian style budget is becoming more maleable day by day, at the rate things are going!
    I was at the Sweep on Swigeroa (lots watering holes in the area) and now the juices are really flowing – and other potables, too, I might add.
    If I can get this together and “skitter” on over there ….. does your offer still stand even if @KCoSL doesn’t make it? LOL

    @King Curls of Bed Hair, Hey Mate!

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @Duncanz, Of course it still stands my man! See if you can work it… Either game! I do have to get our plane tix still but this isn’t my first rodeo, just waiting for the dates to be official.

    vplaza Reply:

    @King Charles of Salt Lake,

    Hmmm, from my home, Jobing.com Arena is 353 miles. 706 miles roundtrip in gas would cost about $120. $60 ticket? $360 to watch the Kings in action for a family of four.

    Cheapest tickets at Staples were $165? That’s about $690 with gas to Staples for a family of four.

    Granted, it’s a 6-hour drive to Jobing.com….

    [Reply]

    RedBear Reply:

    @vplaza, See you at Jobbing!

    [Reply]

    Darrell Reply:

    @RedBear, Jobing.

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @vplaza, Duncanz is trying to make it (see above). I have my wife and son 11 year old son too so maybe we can get a group going for pregame.

    [Reply]

  6. Kissmyblarneystones says:

    Our D and the 70′s have to be huge in this series. Fortunatly standing firm at the blue line is our bread and butter. King and Nolan have to win the battles along the boards. Those 2 youngin’s are getting a crash course, but they will be key for us. Also, I’d sit Richardson for Clifford. We’ll neeed big young bodies to neutralize thier speed. If they’re forced to dump and chase, I’ll like our chances.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Kissmyparkayfloors,
    I’m really in two minds about that slot.
    BR & KFC each bring totally different styles to the game, and it would be kind of interesting to see them switch off from game to game, just to give the Fraz’ line a different look and confuse the Coyotes.
    It really depends what you want night-to-night, speed and unlimited energy or physical presence and grinding.
    Unfortunately, you can’t really ask Cliffy to fight now, so that’s one useful string that has been removed from his bow, unfortunately.

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Not to necessarily fight, but he’s big, fast and strong. I firmly believe that this series will be won along the boards. Think about DK, JN and KC aound the boards, along with CF, with Brown, Anze, Mike, Jeff & Jarret lurking in the middle. Who wins that battle? I think we do. Quick will not let us down!!

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @Kissmyblarneystones, Richardson just wasn’t winning enough battles.

    Osaka Reply:

    @Kissmyblarneystones, The last 2 games weren’t Brad’s best games, a little quiet. I was thinking after game 3 Sutter would have gone to Cliffy for that reason. Brad plays his best after he sits a game or two, for some reason his effectiveness expires after 3-4 games.

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Osaka,

    He’s easy to figure out, I reckon.

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @Kissmyblarneystones, It is all in his head. He can raise his game but only for so long. He can’t capture that same hunger every night.

  7. Duncanz says:

    Anyone see the tremendous mIked-up montage of ice level action from the SLB series they just showed on NHL Live?
    Really, really great viewing. Hope all this [stuff] is being archived for the, er ‘post season’ DVD retrospective!

    [Reply]

    tallboy Reply:

    @Duncanz, I just saw that on NHL.com, amazing. I hope they keep doing that throughout the playoffs.

    [Reply]

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Duncanz, I was just mentioning it on the previous thread. Awesome Kopi, Stoll and Fraser

    Did you hear Derwood Pang calling Mike Smith the next coming of Patrick Roy c. 1993?

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Munchrat,
    NOOO! Must have conveniently missed that shaky assertion.
    Even ex goalies can make mistakes.
    Just watch! By the end of the series, the milburbial shoe will be on the other side of his mouth!!

    [Reply]

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Duncanz, he is calling for Smith to win the Conn Smythe

    variable Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    i have it recorded and will watch later…sounds great…

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @variable,
    Oh, even the hairs on the back of your fingers are going to be standing up when you replay that for the 17th time at 11 o’clock tonight, @v !!!
    OT Hey, did u get the music … don’t think email’s working on my iPhone..

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    no D…

    try sending it again…thanks…

    AA Reply:

    @Duncanz, video is online. http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=35&id=176979

    Best line is Shattenkirk: “How the [bleep] did he see that?”

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @AA, thanks for posting that!!! so friggin awesome! I love “the sounds of the game”… hearing carts and stewart talking to each other down there, Stolly chatting it up with Perron(?)… good [stuff]

    [Reply]

  8. Capt Jam says:

    NASH should be in the Southeast Division.

    [Reply]

  9. Diego says:

    The dogs did really well yesterday taking away the middle and collapsing down in their zone. Kings will need heavy point shots, crushing net presence and some overloading to one side.

    [Reply]

    Mikey Reply:

    @Diego, or short handed breakaways!

    [Reply]

    Diego Reply:

    @Mikey,

    Yeah, that’ll work to.

    [Reply]

  10. Munchrat says:

    Say goodbye to Simmer and Schenn
    They will be golfing tomorrow.

    [Reply]

    Deke'r Reply:

    @Munchrat, …..crystal ball?….Flyers up 1-0….

    [Reply]

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Deke’r, They can’t hold a lead.
    Did you see Schenn get henriked?

    [Reply]

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Munchrat, Told you!!!

    Deke'r Reply:

    @Munchrat, ….they need a goalie in the worst way….how bout we trade Bernier to get Simmers back?…

    Stuart Reply:

    @D’r, no thanks, don’t need him back.

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Deke’r, Damn right crystal ball!

    [Reply]

    Deke'r Reply:

    @Munchrat, …..well then how is our series going to go with the Yotes?….

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Deke’r, LUUUUUUUUongo

    [Reply]

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Deke’r, Kings in 6

    [Reply]

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Munchrat, We win games 2,3,4 and 6

    Deke'r Reply:

    @Munchrat, …I think 7…but 6 would work…

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Deke’r, You heard it here first.

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @Munchrat, What will you say if Philly wins this game?

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Munchrat, It won’t happen

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @Munchrat, We will see. You will need a new Crystal Ball or fix yours if it happens. If it doesn’t then your Ball is mighty for a day.

  11. JKM says:

    I just hope our scorers can solve 6’4 Smith in net. That is my
    biggest worry in this next round. It seemed like he got into the
    heads of the scorers for Chicago & Nashville. Then again those
    two teams didn’t have much traffic in front of Smith. It will be a
    challenge. GO KINGS GO!!!!!!!!

    [Reply]

    palmspringskingsfan Reply:

    @JKM, If the snipe is not working bounce it off the body (and there is plenty of that) rebounds are going to happen Carter should be very effective among the other great players on this team.
    One good thing the dirty Torres is out this time. I think he scored 2 goals against us last time. but that was a much different LA KINGS team.

    [Reply]

  12. Gail Web says:

    Well each day in this world is a challenge just getting out and about, so for the players it is about who wants it more it will come down to this, and I do say it will not be a sweep for sure it should go at least five or six games at least will have to wait and see in the hands of the players now.

    Go Kings Go!

    :-)
    Get rest?

    [Reply]

  13. bbb7 says:

    I’m a bit worried about the Kings because, as well as they have played, they haven’t had to face any real adversity (ie, losing on a bad call or garbage deflection of someone’s head) and they haven’t fallen behind for any stretch in a long time. That adversity is more than likely coming but the maturity of this group would lend me to believe they will handle it well; we’ll see.

    As good as they team has been lately, NO NHL team is that good, so when they cool a little will they still persevere and find a way to win? I suspect Richards and Greene and Mitchell and Brown will make sure they do. And there’s always THAT guy back there, who can do it himself if need be.

    GKG!

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @bbb7, That is my concern, it has almost been too easy. We did drop one game and win one in OT against Vancouver but in the playoffs that is far from adversity.

    No NHL team is that good? I think it has happened twice since it has taken 16 wins to bring home the cup that a team only lost 3 games (16-3) in the playoffs, so a team can be that good. Just highly unlikely. We have 8 wins, that used to be enough to win the cup. 8 wins is the Detroit octopus.

    [Reply]

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Osaka, Have you been poaching Slim’s drip?

    There was nothing easy about beating Vanc and StL

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Munchrat, Tho’ you’d have to admit, they were the least adversarial two series you’ll ever hope for against a no.1 & a no.2, without a doubt!

    Osaka Reply:

    @Munchrat, Hahaha Poached brother Slim’s drip, I like that! ;)

    Easy is a relative term, 8-1 is pretty easy. Ask the teams that play game 7′s. Of course nothing comes easy and good teams make it look so, but the fact remains the Kings have not faced adversity. If they would have drop the first 2 games in St. Loius…..

    I’m not saying it is an issue, and I am not faulting them or implying they are less capable because they have played so well. Just stating a fact they haven’t faced much adversity in the playoffs so how they respond is the only concern I have. They faced adversity just to make the playoffs so hopefully it is unfounded concern.

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Munchrat, The kings have faced adversity since February.

    Munchrat Reply:

    @bbb7, The best make it look easy.
    It never is.

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @Munchrat, True.

    [Reply]

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Osaka, We DID face adversity in the Stl series. We were down 1-0 early in game 1 and then took a bad penalty.
    We lost several leads in the series only to come back to win.
    The fact we are doing this on a nightly basis is a testament as to how quickly this team responds to adversity.
    It also says volumes about the overall character of the Kings.
    Just because we respond quickly to adversity doesn’t mean we haven’t faced it.

    Osaka Reply:

    @Munchrat, Really? You just lost all credibility with that post. Being down a goal is adversity, you must live a sheltered life. Being down 2 games not (2 goals) and coming back is dealing with something. Winning game 7 in double OT is fighting through something. Did the Kings lose Quick, Kopi, or Brown to injury?

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Osaka, that’s the difference between your definition of adversity and the way I see it in regard to the Kings.
    The Kings are truly taking things one shift at a time.
    Their focus is incredibly Intense.
    By meeting adversity on a shift to shift basis, they are able to avoid the game to game adversity that you are describing.

  14. lulu says:

    After thorough analysis, I predict Kings in 4.

    [Reply]

  15. Kissmyblarneystones says:

    I said previously on this blog that Philly would lose at the hands of Bryzgalov. I’ll tell you, I’m in the wrong line of work!

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @Kissmyblarneystones, You can get paid for stating the obvious? ;)

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Osaka,

    It wasn’t so obvious to some people on this blog

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @Kissmyblarneystones, Game not over yet. Still got 35 minutes left.

    variable Reply:

    @Kissmyblarneystones,

    well…not having giroux for this game doesn’t help either…

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @variable,

    Philly fans are phycho. When they see Richards and Carter skating while Symonds and Shenn aren’t, it won’t be an easy time for their GM.

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @Kissmyblarneystones,

    philly fans are definitely some of the most volatile in the country…no doubt…(!)

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Kissmyblarneystones,

    When the stadiun drunk tank has a cctv link to the courthouse, and a judge assigned for Sunday duty waiting? Thats a pretty good indication that there is not much else to live for in Philly!

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @Kissmyblarneystones, for sure! biggest waste of $$ ever IMO. Philly was lucky that for whatever reason Fleury managed to be worse in round one. I think the flyers gone no further with this guy in net! this year and on.

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, We will see as there is still time left this game to come back and possibly 2 more games afterwards depending. If they can get through this game and get Giroux back, he is going to be a madman the last 2 games.

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Jeff_R,

    NOT!!!

  16. The Kings in the final 1/4 of the season were #1 offensively in the Western Conference heading into the playoffs.

    Phoenix was tied for 5th.

    The Kings in the final 1/4 of the season defensively heading into the playoffs were 2nd.

    Phoenix was 4th.

    The goal differential in the last 1/4 was Kings +21 Phoenix +5.

    The Kings blew right through their first 2 opponents going 8-1. In their last 30 games played, the Kings are 21-6-3. Phoenix in their last 30 games are 17-9-4.

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65),

    both teams have their work cut out for them…

    i think you can dissect the regular season number…and even the playoff numbers to a certain extent…to death…but both teams come in 0-0…what happened before they begin this series won’t matter too much…

    there are no secrets left to be told…both teams will be as prepared to battle each other as any…it just comes down to executing the team game plan and minimizing mistakes/penalties…

    [Reply]

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @variable, Maybe I should just be quiet then.

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65), I liked those the stats! keep em comin…makes me feel better for whatever reason.

    variable Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65),

    no DOM…

    that’s not what i meant – nothing personal…

    but i hope you know what i mean when i say that both teams start out the series even in so many ways, including the regular season slate being cleared – it’s a whole new ballgame now…

    i always enjoy yr insight and statistical research…:)

    Token Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65), Guys; this was settled the moment they announced the Kings would start the season in Europe.

    It’s a done deal.

    Stuart Reply:

    @Token, but what if the NYR make it, too? :\

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @Stuart, Me hoping Caps take final 2 games and end Rangers run, just like they did 2 years ago.

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @Variable,
    I was kidding. I’d give out stats even if you got down right pissed. ;)

    @Token,
    I am finally starting to warming up to your theory, and it actually hit me last series against the Blues that you might have been right this whole time. Technically we were both right though, since I made the claim that 50% of the teams that go, struggle so bad that they fire their coaches by February (and only the Penguins have ever recovered to win the Cup). That stat still held true this season with the Ducks and Kings firing their coaches.

    That trip can also be the Kiss Of Death.

    Osaka Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65), In the playoffs Kings #1 D PHX #2, LA #4 O PHX #5. Pretty even, should be a good one.

    [Reply]

  17. Stuart says:

    NJD vs NYR would be an eatern conference final that I would watch!

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @Stuart, How many years straight has the cup winner started the season in Europe? LA vs NY was the first game in Europe this season, last game of the season too?

    [Reply]

    Deke'r Reply:

    @Osaka, ….how sweet would that be…..

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @Stuart, I don’t care if it is the Devils or Flyers but I want the Caps and it has nothing to do really with the fact that the Kings would have home ice in the finals, if they played.

    [Reply]

  18. Mark says:

    blues were a fast team to not so much after we beat them down yotes are next

    [Reply]

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