Scuderi maintains narrow focus

Rob Scuderi knows something about trying to close out a conference-finals series. He did it twice as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, including once in a similar situation to the one he now faces with the Kings. In 2008, the Penguins won the first three games of the Eastern Conference Finals against Philadelphia, then lost Game 4 on the road and won Game 5 at home. In 2009, the Penguins took a 3-0 lead against Carolina and completed the sweep in Game 4 on the road. After today’s morning skate, Scuderi talked about the importance of not letting this series get to a sixth game…

SCUDERI: “We’re just trying to stay focused, one game at a time. It’s a boring cliche, but there’s nothing that’s more true. We’ve let them back into the series a little bit, 3-1 now. If you lose now, not that anyone would panic, but it’s just not a situation you want to put yourself in. We’re trying to take it one game at a time. We’ve got a good chance to, hopefully, close things out tonight and we’re just looking at that.’’

Question: How exciting is it? And is it a matter of not getting too excited?

SCUDERI: “It’s an exciting time to play. It’s a fun time to have success, but you have to temper that a little bit with the fact that there is a game to be played. Everyone is always excited before the game, and you’re thinking about what could be or what might happen, but if you don’t take care of what’s right in front of you, it won’t happen.’’